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Pentucket Regional School District School Committee Minutes 2005
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| January 4, 2005 | ||
| February 15, 2005 | ||
| May 17, 2005 | ||
| September 20, 2005 | ||
| October 18, 2005 | November 15, 2005 | |
| November 29, 2005 | December 13, 2005 | |
| December 20, 2005 | ||
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Members Present:
Chairwoman Piccolomini, Mr. Atwood, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Carpenter, Mr.
Castiglione, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Gadd, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Levine, Mrs.
Muench and Mr. O’Keefe.
Also Present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Student Representatives Ms. Burns and Mr.
Williams, Spectators and Press
Chairwoman Piccolomini called the
meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
Mr. Williams led the Committee in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
Majority vote began as 5.1.
Majority vote was changed to 5.5
when Mrs. Gadd arrived.
It was moved by Mr. Atwood and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to accept the agenda. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Atwood and seconded by Mr. Levine to
approve the consent agenda. Motion
carried. (for: Atwood, Buell,
Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Grazio, Levine, O’Keefe, Piccolomini)
(for: 10.1) (abstained: Gadd, Muench) (abstained: 1.9)
Majority vote was set at 6.1 upon arrival of Mrs. Grazio.
Susan Swanson of West Newbury advised of a musical
performance and art exhibition at the
ADMINISTRATIVE
REPORTS
Budget
Overview
Dr.
MacLean gave a PowerPoint presentation to explain the preliminary budget figures
for FY06. It was noted that
providing the same level of programs and services in the next fiscal year that
are being provided this year will cause an increase in cost of $2.5 million.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to have a cover letter
signed by Chair Piccolomini to forward the FY06 preliminary budget figures and
entitle it “FY06 Preliminary Maintenance of Effort Budget” to the Financial
Directors of the three Towns along with the revenue sheet.
(unanimous approval)
There
was discussion about the budget workshops, which are scheduled for January 11,
2005 and January 25, 2005.
·
Dr. MacLean asked that committee members consider the question, “What
do we want students to learn?”
·
Mr. O’Keefe suggested a format for the first workshop, consisting of
workgroups of three to four people who would discuss what they value; then after
discussion two workgroups would form to discuss what they value and revenue
streams. Then the Administration
could be asked to ascribe costs for the second workshop so dollar figures could
be worked up.
·
School principals should be invited to attend the workshops.
·
It was suggested that Administration move forward as soon as possible
with recommendations on programs and services for budget consideration.
Majority
Vote was
changed to 5.7 when Mrs. Conner left the room at 8:41p.m.
Majority
Vote
returned to 6.1 at 8:48 p.m.
Quorum
was lost at 8:51 [Mrs. Carpenter then Mrs. Grazio left the room]
Quorum
was again in place at 8:56.
Advanced
Placement Course Opportunities
Dr.
McGinn gave a more in-depth explanation of a previous handout regarding the
advanced placement courses.
·
Pentucket currently offers six AP courses.
·
The curriculum and exams are nationally prescribed and are the same
regardless of what high school you attend.
·
Performance is rated on a 1-5 scale.
A score of 3, 4 or 5 can earn college credit upon enrollment.
·
The difference between AP, H1 and H2 classes are rigor, pace and
eventual weight of the course used when computing grade point average or class
rank.
OLD
BUSINESS
Conflict
of Interest
Based
on review of the school committee’s ethics policy, discussion ensued regarding
the need of putting a conflict of interest policy in place.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mrs. Carpenter to have the
Superintendent ask legal counsel and/or the State Ethics Commission what the
Committee’s obligations are regarding conflict of interest.
It was amended by Mrs. Carpenter to ask more specifically what role a
School Committee member can take in decisions that have financial impact if they
have a family member who could be influenced by that.
(unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Peter Cronin and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to have the Human
Resources Subcommittee formulate a new biographical format for members to
complete. Motion carried.
(for: Atwood, Buell,
Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, Levine, O’Keefe, Piccolomini)
(for: 9.8) (against:
Grazio) (against: 1.1) (abstain: Muench) (abstain: 1.1)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Levine to have a state auditor
conduct an operational audit before the new Business Manager takes over the
position. It was amended to ask to
obtain quotes for an operational audit from both a state and private audit
agency. Mrs. Carpenter asked to have
clarification made between an operational audit and a financial audit.
Motion carried. (for:
Atwood, Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Gadd, Grazio, Levine,
Muench, O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (for: 11.2)
(against: Cronin) (against:
.8)
ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m.
Recording Secretary
Approved:
March 22, 2005
Distribution:
Website;
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Business
Meeting Minutes
Amended
March 1, 2005
High School
January 18, 2005
Members Present:
Chairwoman Piccolomini, Mr. Atwood, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Carpenter, Mr.
Castiglione, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Gadd, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Muench and
Mr. O’Keefe.
Also Present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Student Representatives Ms. Burns and Mr.
Williams, Spectators and Press
Chairwoman Piccolomini called the
meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.
Mr. Williams and Ms. Burns led the
Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Majority vote was 5.5.
It was moved by Mr. Atwood and seconded by Mrs. Muench to accept the agenda. Added to the agenda was public delegation under Public Comment. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to approve the consent agenda. Added to the consent agenda was an invitation from the Chair of the Performing Arts Dept. Motion carried. (for: Atwood, Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (for: 8.7) (opposed: Grazio, Muench) (opposed: 2.2)
Valerie Paquette of Merrimac spoke about an article in the Daily
News that she viewed as misleading. Information
regarding class size and budget information reflect statistics from FY04.
It was recommended that the website be updated.
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to
have the
Brenda
Dresser and Tammy Brackbill, delegates of the PTO Executive Board, were present
for the item added to the consent agenda. Brenda
Dresser addressed the members regarding the possibility of having a motion
passed that would enable individuals, organizations or towns to make financial
gifts and/or donations to supplement FY05-06 school revenue.
Discussion followed.
·
Mrs. Grazio pointed out the statute that covers how gifts and donations
are accepted – they must come to the school committee for approval.
·
If a town wants to give a donation, the Regional Agreement specifies
that it must be handled through the town meeting process, preceded by a vote
from the school committee.
·
There is no obligation nor can a guarantee be provided to spend donated
money as specified by the donor.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to table the discussion.
Motion failed. (for:
Buell, Castiglione, Grazio, Muench) (for:
4.4) (opposed: Atwood,
Carpenter, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (opposed:
6.5)
Discussion
continued.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Cronin that the petition to
approve the motion from the PTO Executive Board be sent to Attorney Finnegan to
offer his legal comments and have it back by the first meeting in February.
Motion carried. (unanimous
approval)
Executive
Session
A
roll call vote was taken to go into Executive Session at 8:17 p.m.
Motion carried. (unanimous
approval)
It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Atwood to end Executive Session.
Motion carried by roll call vote.
(unanimous approval)
Executive
Session ended at 8:56 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE
REPORTS and OLD BUSINESS
Dr.
MacLean commented on some of the information gleaned from the budget workshop,
namely, a list of what is valued by both the school committee members and the
administrators.
In
December, lists of Programs of Study for area high schools in Amesbury,
Hamilton-Wenham,
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mrs. Grazio that the same nine
districts that have been used for the last several years (Triton,
Discussion
followed. The towns used for
comparison are geographically situated; they represent a three-tier expression
of income demographics or community wealth, so it provides a reasonably
effective balance in representing what we are comparing ourselves to, and most
of the statistics are from Cape Ann-oriented communities, so there is a common
affinity among those communities.
Dr.
MacLean pointed out:
·
Throughout the country, most high school programs of study involve ten
to 12 disciplines on average.
·
Some high schools will offer certain courses every other semester or
every other year.
·
Criteria that school districts use for rating courses which are offered
include: appropriateness; content
validity; course effectiveness; resource availability; budget support; and
interest level.
Mrs.
Grazio expressed interest in knowing which programs are currently running in the
area high schools.
Mr.
Castigilone questioned whether it is possible to find out what is considered
curriculum for a graduate at each one of the area high schools.
Mrs.
Conner made a request for information regarding the pros and cons of block
scheduling and utilizing teacher advisors vs. guidance counselors.
Discussion
centered around prioritizing the things that are valued, determining what is
core and looking at the role of secondary education.
Dr.
MacLean offered two starting points for consideration:
1)
What do you individually mean by core?
One person’s core is another person’s elective.
2)
What is meant by comprehensive – at the secondary level it would be a
comprehensive high school; at the elementary level, it would be comprehensive
offerings.
Comprehensive,
as explained by Dr. MacLean, typically means two things.
It is a series of varied offerings in a curriculum and it is a
heterogeneous group of students (students who will pursue post-secondary
education and those who will pursue jobs upon graduation).
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Carpenter to continue the meeting
past 10:00. Motion carried.
(for: Atwood, Buell,
Carpenter, Castigilone, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, O’Keefe, Piccolomini)
(for: 8.7)
(opposed: Grazio, Muench)
(opposed: 2.2)
Dr.
MacLean indicated that fewer services have been delivered over the past two
years from the general fund than at any time in recent memory.
Fewer services were provided at a higher cost.
No matter how things are reorganized, the $2 million in cuts that will
need to be made will be painful.
Discussion
followed, touching on a variety of topics, including:
middle school philosophy; an academic-focused curriculum; whether the
existing program is adequate; asking the towns to vote for an override;
marketing the Pentucket educational experience;
reallocation and educational trade-offs; foreign language offerings;
request for information about block scheduling and advisors vs. counselors.
ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting was adjourned by unanimous approval at 10:50 p.m.
Recording Secretary
Approved:
March 22, 2005
Distribution:
Website;
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Business
Meeting Minutes
Middle School
February 1, 2005
Members Present:
Chairwoman Piccolomini, Mr. Atwood, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Carpenter, Mr.
Castiglione, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Gadd, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Levine, Mrs.
Muench and Mr. O’Keefe.
Also Present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Ms. O’Brien - Director of Pupil Services,
Student Representatives: Ms. Burns
and Mr. Williams, Principals: Mr.
Benincasa, Mr. Harrison, Ms. Jervey, Ms. Perry, Mr. Binaghi and Ms. Townes,
Teachers, Spectators and Press.
Chairwoman Piccolomini called the
meeting to order at 7:33 p.m.
Ms. Burns led the Committee in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Majority vote was 6.1.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to approve the agenda as amended. The amendments were to add Executive Session, FY06 Budget, SC Meeting Venue, Central Administration Reduction of Staff and Deliberation of Math Curriculum. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Atwood to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried. (for: Atwood, Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, Grazio, O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (for: 9.8) (opposed: Grazio, Muench) (opposed: 2.2)
Valerie Paquette of Merrimac delivered a handout to the
members. The document called into
question items such as per pupil expenditure discrepancies amongst the
elementary schools and inequalities in the use of specialists.
Ms. Paquette stated that she felt the Committee could not ask the towns
for an override.
A letter was read by the Chair at the request of the sender,
Rebecca Gould, in which she voiced concerns about potential changes at the high
school due to budget cuts.
It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Cronin to
have administration provide a response to Ms. Paquette by the meeting on
February 15, 2005. Motion carried.
(for: Atwood, Buell,
Carpenter, Castiglione, Cronin, Gadd, Grazio, Levine, Muench, O’Keefe,
Piccolomini.) (for:
11.2) (abstain:
Conner) (abstain:
.8)
Some of the faculty members in attendance took the opportunity to speak, including Mr. Voltero, the Chairman of the English Department, Inge Buerger, Foreign Language Chair, Ruth Brophy, District Health Coordinator, and Blane Goguen, the Science Chair.
· “We deliver quality education.”
· One of the questions posed was, “Do people want to pay for this [type of education] or do they want to dismantle it?”
· When the DOE came to visit, they found Health and Services to be a very strong area that provides options for students.
Executive
Session
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to go into Executive
Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3. Motion
carried by roll call vote. (for:
Atwood, Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, Levine,
O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (for:
9.8) (opposed:
Grazio, Muench) (opposed:
2.2)
Executive
Session began at 7:58 p.m.
Executive
session ended at 8:10 p.m.
ADMINISTRATIVE
REPORTS
Social
Studies Task Force
Dr.
McGinn gave an introduction and allowed Michael Stevens to explain what the task
force had accomplished in its study. Wayne
Sylvester provided information as well.
·
Pentucket is meeting the minimum threshold of frameworks.
·
Maps, globes and atlases need to be upgraded in the classrooms.
House
1 Budget
Dr.
MacLean provided an overview of the Superintendent’s meeting with Governor
Romney, in which he was advised that there was no more State aid for Pentucket
for this year. Dr. MacLean referred
to the Governor’s Cherry Sheet that he passed out.
Pentucket
is looking at the third consecutive year of possibly one percent (1%) or less
from State aid. The District has
needs that exceed the ability to pay for them.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Gadd that the Chair extend a
formal invitation to the Pentucket Association of Teachers (PAT) to attend the
February 15, 2005 School Committee meeting.
Motion carried. (for:
Atwood, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, Grazio, Levine,
Muench, O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (for:
10.9) (abstain:
Buell) (abstain:
1.1)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell that the Chair extend a formal
invitation to the faculty and Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department
to attend the February 15, 2005 School Committee meeting.
Motion carried by unanimous approval.
High
School Options
It
was asked of the Committee to read the memo provided by Kathleen O’Brien
regarding high school options for the next meeting.
Dr.
MacLean made a request of everyone that, when providing handouts or memoranda
that include information and/or statistics from other sources, to always list
the source(s) of the information.
Discussion
followed regarding electives, block scheduling and educational quality.
Dr.
MacLean pointed out that the District would probably see a four percent (4%)
increase next year even if nothing different happens.
One
of the parents in attendance pointed out that the override failed by only 30
votes last year.
Discussion
followed regarding the need to get the message out to the entire population of
taxpayers.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to hold all future School
Committee meetings in the
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to go past 10:00 p.m.
Motion carried. (for:
Atwood, Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, Levine,
O’Keefe, Piccolomini.) (for:
9.8) (against:
Grazio, Muench) (against:
2.2)
OLD
BUSINESS
Regional
Agreement Task Force Report
Mr.
O’Keefe gave an overview of the issues the task force has been discussing and
advised that the next meeting will be held on February 10, 2005.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe that the Committee
will vote on February 15, 2005 on the original Regional Agreement (5-6 items)
and the recommendations of the Regional Agreement Task Force.
Motion carried. (for:
Castiglione, Levine, O’Keefe, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin
and Gadd) (for:
7.9) (against:
Buell, Muench, Grazio and Atwood) (against:
4.1)
Approval
of Gift
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to approve acceptance of the
$1,000 gift from Banknorth Charitable Foundation to the
Deliberation
of Math Curriculum
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to have the Math Curriculum
remain the same for 05-06 and to open deliberation for change for the next
school year. Motion failed.
(for: Buell, Grazio, Levine,
Muench) (for:
4.4) (against:
Castiglione, O’Keefe, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Gadd)
(against: 5.4)
(abstain: Carpenter,
Piccolomini) (abstain:
2.2)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Cronin to have the task force
ask the Superintendent to look into the cost of a union structure.
Mr. Buell added the amendment to not pursue it at this time.
Motion failed. (for:
Castiglione, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Cronin, Gadd)
(for: 4.9)
(against: Levine, Buell,
Muench, Grazio, Conner, Atwood, O’Keefe) (against:
7.1)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to adjourn.
(unanimous approval)
ADJOURNMENT
The
meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda D’Zmura
Recording Secretary
Approved:
March 22, 2005
Distribution:
Website;
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Business
Meeting Minutes
High School
February 15, 2005
Members Present:
Chairwoman Piccolomini, Mr. Atwood, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Carpenter, Mr.
Castiglione, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Gadd, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Levine, Mrs.
Muench and Mr. O’Keefe.
Also Present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Student Representatives Ms. Burns and Mr.
Williams, Principals, Teachers, Spectators and Press
Chairwoman Piccolomini called the meeting to order at 7:35
p.m.
Mr. Williams led the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Majority vote was 6.1.
It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Atwood to
accept the agenda as amended. Executive
Session was removed, New Business was moved to No. 6, Old Business was moved to
No. 7, and Public Comment was moved to No. 9 after the Superintendent’s Budget
Proposal. Motion carried by
unanimous approval.
Mrs. Grazio would like to add the Unfinished Business to the next agenda so it stays there henceforward.
It was noted that the enclosure entitled Secondary School
Comparison was for informational purposes.
It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to accept the consent agenda as amended. (for: Atwood, Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, Levine, O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (for: 9.8) (against: Grazio, Muench) (against: 2.2)
The Monthly Budget Report was pulled to provide clarification on the following:
· The Treasurer is investigating the matter of the $70,000 debt.
· Category 1, salaries for principal and business manager – they are contracted services so they do not come under the salary account balance.
· Will we see fund positions for all the funds, aggregately? Yes, in the near future.
The letter submitted by the Pentucket Association of Teachers was pulled. Mrs. Grazio wished to have it stated on the record that the Regional Agreement is not illegal, that the supplemental budget is the only area that is in question in the Agreement.
The memo regarding legal costs was pulled for discussion. Although the memo stated the total of the legal costs for FY05 to date, Mr. Buell expressed interest in getting more detailed invoices or a ledger from the attorneys to verify charges. Dr. MacLean explained that there are specific invoices that the Finance Subcommittee evaluates.
The Bagnall Principal Search Process information was pulled for discussion. Mrs. Grazio inquired as to whether there was anything to report regarding the Assistant Principal, to which Dr. MacLean responded that there was not.
The minutes from the January 18, 2005 meeting were pulled so Mrs. Grazio could point out corrections that needed to be made.
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Muench to table the discussion on the January 18, 2005 minutes until they have been corrected. Motion carried by unanimous approval.
It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Buell to
accept the donation of a Mac iBook laptop from a
Mr. O’Keefe informed the Committee that the RATF has not
yet made any recommendations, however, he has issued a report of his own
personal assessment as to where the consensus exists.
Mr. Castiglione handed out to the members some suggested
changes to the language of the Regional Agreement, to encourage discussion and
to enable legal counsel to prepare the requisite language for changes in the
Agreement for the town warrants.
It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Cronin to begin to offer language changes to the Regional Agreement that will be part of the Town Warrant and to discuss it this evening, then vote on it at the next business meeting. Motion carried. (for: Atwood, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (for: 7.6) (against: Buell, Grazio, Levine, Muench) (against: 4.4)
The changes to the Regional Agreement will go to the town
meetings as warrant articles and be voted on by the three communities.
If they are favorably accepted they will become part of the Agreement.
The will become effective in FY07.
There was discussion regarding the deadline dates for
the town warrants. A written
response was received from
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe to have a formal request sent to all three towns for a placeholder (until March 3rd) on the town warrants for the Regional Agreement. Motion carried. (for: Atwood, Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (for: 8.7) (against: Grazio, Levine, Muench) (against: 3.3)
Mr. Castiglione’s recommendation was that the changes be submitted as one entire package. Mrs. Carpenter felt that the items should be considered individually.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castigilone to
send the document provided by Mr. Castiglione entitled “Suggested Changes to
Regional Agreement” to the Finance Directors of the towns.
Motion carried. (for:
Atwood, Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner Cronin, Grazio, Levine,
Muench, Piccolomini) (for:
10.1) (against:
Gadd, O’Keefe) (against:
1.9)
Discussion continued regarding the suggested changes to the
Regional Agreement.
Mr. O’Keefe pointed out that the report that the Committee received was originally submitted in June 2004 and the School Committee previously approved the recommendations. The first point was to analyze the funding, education, demographic, employment and performance trends affecting PRSD. This was completed and delivered in the form of a formal research report. Mr. O’Keefe wanted to give attention to the recommendation to have opportunities for greater quality and efficiency in delivery of education services through comprehensive study of the regional school district. Mr. O’Keefe feels that what we lack as a Committee is the in depth education knowledge from the standpoint of being educators and that limits our ability to pick out particular education models or devise strategies to move forward during a difficult time. It should be recognized that some kind of reconstruction or reformation is necessary. Another member brought up concerns about RFP and Mr. O’Keefe suggested perhaps looking at that as a first step.
Dr. MacLean said that it is important to involve all the
stakeholders in this district in developing a strategic planning process.
It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Conner to
have the Administration hire consultants to advise the School Committee of
various education models. An
amendment was made to have the consultant develop a strategic plan with a
particular focus on education models and to have this done within 30-60 days.
Motion carried by unanimous approval.
It was moved by Mrs. Piccolomini and seconded by Mr. Cronin
to table the discussion on the Bagnall flashing lights until the next meeting.
Mrs. Grazio was out of the room during the vote.
Motion carried. (for:
Atwood, Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, Levine,
Muench, O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (for:
10.9)
Dr. MacLean began the budget presentation and noted that
Pentucket is in a financial crisis that has been three years in the making.
State aid began to diminish several years ago and at the same time,
community contributions decreased significantly.
A school district of this size cannot continue the level of programs and
services at the rate of state aid and the rate of local contribution that has
been seen.
Dr. MacLean explained that many of opportunities we have
utilized in the past two years are the reason why we currently offer the same
kind of quality services that the community came to enjoy during the very
important days of good revenue from the state.
This administration has done three things:
The administration has worked with the School Committee to
implement full-day kindergarten, which will be self supporting.
Additional instructional assistants will be provided.
Class sizes can be kept at or below 18 in kindergarten.
Class size goal is 20 or below in the primary grades.
The federal and state government will not be providing any funding for
full-day kindergarten.
Angela Jervey, Principal of the
Phil Benincasa, Interim Principal of the
Arlene Townes and Jonathan Seymour, Principal and Asst.
Principal of the High School, spoke about the
Arlene Townes noted that one of the biggest challenges before
her is how to preserve the values and essence of an elective program in a
six-block day. Currently, students
take seven classes in a seven-period day. Every
student has 5.5 classes that are fixed. Periods
open for electives amount to 1.5, which include fine and performing arts,
business, technology education, family and consumer sciences as well as health
and physical education. Students
will not have as many options and will need to make choices.
There will be a decrease in science classes.
Increased enrollment will exacerbate the class size situation.
There will be increased contact time in English, Social Studies, Math and
Science, except for the AP Sciences and Foreign Languages.
Length of class will be going from 49 minutes to almost an hour.
Another feature of this budget proposal is redesigning the
kind of delivery system the District has for special education:
This budget proposal will reduce classroom teachers
throughout the District by 13.4 (FTE), Specialists by six.
Support service people would be increased because the District continues
to have SPED needs to be met.
This proposal would send bills to the three communities with
an increase of $1,375,000 down from $2,700,000.
Many of the proposed changes are dependent upon the other changes for it
to work. Some of these are very time
sensitive and will need to be moved forward on very quickly when the budget is
approved:
Time will be needed for planning and professional
development.
It was move by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to
carry the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion
carried by unanimous approval.
Mrs. Carpenter proposed that questions regarding the budget
proposal and answers be put on the website.
Dr. MacLean advised that such a process is currently in the works.
Mrs. Carpenter also recommended providing a mechanism for a discussion
group so there can be full disclosure of the answers to the questions that are
asked. Student representative,
Michael Williams, will work on putting this together.
Inge Buerger, PAT President, made a proposal that everyone
should promote our schools and advocate for our students.
She suggested we all work together to provide a funding structure that is
fair and just and she said the District cannot afford to cut more.
Mrs. Buerger stated, “Our schools are our most important resource, and
our children are our future.”
Erik Eames,
It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Levine to
accept the petition given by Erik Eames to make it a part of the official
minutes. Motion carried by unanimous
approval.
Ellen Hart, Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department,
explained that throughout the last 13 years, she has worked with teachers at the
elementary, middle and high school levels to build sequential programs through
art and music. She also stated that
it could be seen by the quality of the programs offered at the high school level
the impact the sequential programs have on students’ education.
Steve Voltero, Chair of the English Department, addressed the
School Committee with the statement, “Less is never more.”
Mr. Voltero also stated that the core of English, math, social studies
and science in and of itself is not the complete educational package, but that
the students need far more. They
need to be able to go to a hospital where they work for community service and
hand a drink to a sick or elderly person and grow in compassion and know that
what they are doing is important; they need to be published and know they have
accomplished something; they need to go to health classes and know their bodies
are sacrosanct and understand their bodies are pure and must remain pure.
The money that is needed for the budget, if necessary, line by line,
should be explained to the people exactly what they stand to lose.
Mr. Voltero continued that if the philosophy of the high school were
disrupted, the program would be decimated. He
felt that it is incumbent upon the School Committee members to do their best to
inform the people so that an override will pass.
A member of the audience asked if a list of the offerings
that are being reduced or eliminated would be seen at a future meeting.
Dr. MacLean responded affirmatively.
A question was asked regarding reduction of teaching teams in
the middle school from three to two and a half and the certifications required.
Science and math would be taught by one teacher and English and social
studies would be taught by one teacher. Mr.
Binaghi, Middle School Principal, explained that some teachers are generalists
and some are certified in English and math.
He would have the English-certified teacher teach social studies and the
math-certified teacher teach science because of the high stakes areas on MCAS
tests.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to carry
the meeting past 10:30 p.m. Motion
carried by unanimous approval.
A member of the audience, who is a professional fire fighter,
expressed his concern for the safety of the children.
There are building codes and life safety codes that limit the number of
students per classroom for safety reasons and fire exits and these should be
considered when making changes to class size.
Jason Wilds, 12th grade student at PHS, stated
that the past four years have been the most rewarding of his life, that he has
received a great education and will
be attending college to major in education to become a teacher.
He changed his own ideas over the past four years with use of electives.
Mr. Wilds felt that an increase in taxes would help.
Electives can help change a student’s course and how they view college,
as was his experience.
Kathy Kastrinelis, parent of children in the elementary, middle and high school, addressed the Committee about the fact that we have a Regional Agreement, whether the towns like the two out of three or not. The District has a responsibility to uphold the law.
There was some discussion regarding the vote that was rescinded last year. Mr. Atwood explained that when we had the vote, the towns came back to us and advised that they were going to give one-twelfth of the prior year’s base budget, so instead of getting a one and one-half percent (1 ½ %) increase they would have just level funded us, which would have been much more painful.
Greg Pope, Chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Foundation,
questioned whether the School Committee has legal counsel that advises them
regarding the law and that was affirmed by Dr. MacLean.
Mr. Pope also questioned only having heard one proposal about the budget.
He spoke about rallying people together in the three towns to help
address the problem of not having the money for the school budget.
Mr. Atwood advised the audience that if this many people
showed up at Selectmen’s meetings and Finance Committee meetings in the towns
and told them that we need to prioritize education in these communities, things
would be a lot better off. Instead,
only a few show up at a Finance Committee meeting and are told the town does not
have the money. Unless people get
out to those meetings and say it is a priority, it will continue to be very
frustrating for School Committee members.
Mr. Cronin explained that the School Committee itself does
not have the ability to raise any revenue – the towns do that.
The Committee could vote to send a bill to the towns, but it does not
mean the towns need to pay that bill. The
Agreement we have with the towns is that three out of three need to approve the
budget.
Barbara Sheehan, Selectmen from Groveland, explained that an
article could be put on the town warrant via a petition signed by ten taxpayers
from the town.
Clark Jenkins spoke about the discord he has observed at
Groveland town meetings, wherein there are four School Committee members who
often times do not agree with each other, Selectmen who make a recommendation
that is sometimes different than the School Committee, and the Finance Board who
sometimes takes a different position. Mr.
Jenkins shared his frustration about waiting for an hour and a half for the
public portion of the meeting and seeing that a lot of wonderful students came,
wanted to speak and see the process, but had to leave.
Mr. Jenkins felt that this is not the time to worry about changing the
Committee membership from 12 to six or worry about changing the Superintendent,
rather, the need is to worry about how to run the school and where to get the
money. He recommended getting
everything in order and uniting before we get to town meeting.
He felt that we could increase the budget.
Ruth Brophy stated that everyone has different interests.
Adolescents need to follow their passion and that will take them in
different directions; a comprehensive high school offers those venues.
Mrs. Brophy shared that her own town was at a crossroads with budget
issues and instead of standing divided, they stood united and there was
solidarity. Even though there was an
enormous tax increase, $1200 for her personally, people were glad to see the
school being supported. She felt the
District needs a long-term plan and needs solidarity.
Zach Fields, Director of Percussion at the High School and
former student, stated that he was a kid that needed the Performing Arts
Department. He now makes a living by
teaching and performing.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mrs. Conner
to adjourn. Motion carried by
unanimous approval.
The
meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda D’Zmura
Recording Secretary
Approved:
March 22, 2005
Distribution:
Website;
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Business
Meeting Minutes
Budget
Open Hearing
Middle School
March 1, 2005
Members Present:
Chairwoman Piccolomini, Mr. Atwood, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Carpenter, Mr.
Castiglione, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Gadd, Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Levine, Mrs. Muench and Mr.
O’Keefe.
Also Present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn, Student Representatives:
Ms. Burns, Ms. Teeters and Mr. Williams, Spectators and Press.
Chairwoman Piccolomini called the
meeting to order at 7:40 p.m.
The Pledge of Allegiance was
recited.
Majority vote was 5.7.
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to approve the agenda. Mr. Buell added a memo regarding the budget. Motion carried by unanimous approval.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried. (for: Atwood, Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Cronin, Gadd, Levine, O’Keefe, Piccolomini) (for: 9.0) (opposed: Grazio, Muench) (opposed: 2.2)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to
schedule the next meeting on March 8, 2005 to vote on the budget, to replace the
meeting scheduled for March 15, 2005, and hold it at the Middle School
Auditorium. Motion carried by
unanimous approval.
It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mr. Buell to
send a formal invitation to the Selectmen of each town to attend the March 8,
2005 meeting. Motion carried by
unanimous approval.
Dr. MacLean introduced the new Chief Financial and Business Officer for the District, Steve Greenberg.
Dr. MacLean pointed out that the Reform Act of 1993 and
regionalization of the District were two things that aided the District.
The State provided funds for several years and one of those years there
was an 18% increase over prior years. That
allowed the District to provide lower class sizes, programs and services that
have been the envy of many other districts in the region and the opportunity to
be one of the best values on the
Dr. McGinn gave an overview of the changes for the budget,
which was presented at the last meeting. Those
changes include blended classrooms; assigning special education personnel by
caseload; and downsizing programs.
Dr. MacLean recommended starting the budget as close to the
time where accurate figures have been obtained from state and other agencies, so
the numbers are on the money. One of
the figures, the circuit breaker, has been recalculated based upon the latest
information. The budget began with
the expected revenue of $225,000. The
current projected number based on special education programs that are being
provided to other districts is $325,000.
Another significant difference is based upon the
recalculation of the benefits, particularly MIIA.
Originally the calculation was higher than needed, so there is now a
savings reflected in the budget (the net of which is $426,000).
Dr. MacLean explained that Mr. Greenberg has linked each and
every cost center, school, special education department, district-wide program,
and central office expense and revenue, so that everything flows together.
Dr. MacLean advised that the bottom line figure for community
contribution is lower than what it was a few weeks ago.
That figure now stands at $1,043,805.
Assessments for each of the three communities would be as follows:
A student delegation led by Audrey Bigham spoke to the
Committee. Several students took
turns expressing their opinions to the Committee:
Inge Buerger, President of Pentucket Association of Teachers,
brought a petition to the Committee to strongly oppose the budget proposal.
Kathy Kastrinelis addressed the Committee and gave them a
copy of her prepared speech, which included these comments:
Mr. Clark of Merrimac suggested that at the next Finance
Committee meeting, at least 50 townspeople should attend along with the School
Committee members and present the larger dollar amount on the budget.
Greg Pope of
Many parents and students (which included both those
currently enrolled and several graduates) took the opportunity to praise the
Concerns were expressed about the proposed change to a
six-period schedule at the high school and how detrimental it would be to the
students.
Concerns were expressed about the two and a half teaching
team concept at the middle school and whether those teachers would have dual
certification.
Discussion followed regarding whether an override would pass
in each of the towns. Someone
pointed out that the second vote last year in Merrimac lost by only 32 votes.
Another point made was that to some people, increased
property value due to having a great school system may also mean increased
expenses and that increase could be detrimental to elderly or fixed-income
homeowners.
Mr. Buell proposed maintaining what we have today and
spending another $1+ million for more teachers and supplies; the required
override would be $3.5 million.
Mrs. Carpenter expressed concerns about what will happen if
an override does not pass and she felt that there needs to be more grass roots
organization from people. She
implored the audience to do as much as possible at the community level.
Mrs. Grazio felt that this budget would devastate the system
and we should have a fully-funded budget. She
said if an override failed we have the opportunity and the obligation to come
back a second time and that it is not an “all or nothing at all” situation.
Mr. Cronin pointed out that the Superintendent’s proposal
is not just about cuts, it is also about some fundamental changes in programming
that could improve education (such as full day kindergarten and reassignment of
special education caseload). Research
will show that it can be as much a positive change as people believe it to be a
negative one. It is dependent upon
teachers and the way it is implemented. He
felt the proposal is more about change and less about devastation.
One of the parents expressed confusion about why a
Mr. Castiglione reminded the audience that the message
delivered tonight is no different than the last three or four years; we cannot
continue to do it this way. Without
any increase in aid from the federal or state government, we will be back in the
same position. A viable approach
must be found. Holding on to the
status quo means we will continue to fail and it is a problem we have to
address.
Chairwoman Piccolomini thanked everyone in the audience for
attending and sharing their comments with the Committee and noted that the
business meeting would continue. A
pause was taken since it was apparent that many people were leaving the
auditorium.
Dr. MacLean stated that he was pleased and proud to see that
so many people had taken such a keen interest in public education in these
communities tonight. He hopes that
the people within the room tonight would work as hard, talk as long and be as
eloquent over the next several weeks as they have been.
The issues that are faced are primarily of funding or lack thereof.
If funding does materialize, he feels that many of the programs and
services that the District has come to prize will come back.
And to the Committee as they deliberate, a reminder that the figures
presented tonight are $300,000 lower than the original proposal.
It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Gadd to
have the Superintendent produce a budget at the March 8, 2005 meeting reflecting
the $325,000 savings put back into the school.
Motion carried. (for:
Piccolomini, Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood, Castiglione)
(for: 5.7)
(against: Grazio, Buell,
Levine, Muench) (against:
4.4) (abstain:
Carpenter) (abstain:
1.1)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Buell, Levine, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood, Castiglione) (for: 9.0) (against: Grazio) (against: 1.1) (abstain: Muench) (abstain: 1.1)
It was moved by Mrs. Carpenter and seconded by Mr. Buell to
have the Committee move forward on a Maintenance of Effort Budget (level
services) as a starting point and present it to the Towns.
Motion failed. (for:
Grazio, Buell, Levine, Carpenter, Muench)
(for: 5.5)
(against: Piccolomini,
Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood, Castiglione)
(against: 5.7)
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to
continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. Motion
carried. (for:
Buell, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood,
Castiglione) (for:
7.9) (against:
Grazio, Levine, Muench) (against:
3.3)
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini
to have the following changes made to the Regional Agreement:
(1) quorum – have a simple majority; (2) two out of three under sec.
16B; (3) reduce the number of members; (4) elections to be District-wide.
An amendment was made by Mrs. Gadd to add that changes could be made to
the Regional Agreement at any Town Meeting.
Mr. Cronin then withdrew the motion.
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Carpenter to
have the Regional Agreement changed to reflect under M.G. L. Chapter 71, Section
16B, budget approval would be allowed by a vote of two out of three towns.
Motion carried. (for:
Levine, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Cronin, Gadd, Atwood, Castiglione)
(for: 6.8)
(against: Grazio, Buell,
Muench, O’Keefe) (against:
4.4)
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Carpenter to amend the Regional Agreement to reduce the Committee membership to nine members. Motion carried. (for: Levine, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood, Castiglione) (for: 7.9) (against: Grazio, Buell, Muench) (against: 3.3)
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Buell to
continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. Motion
carried. (for:
Buell, Levine, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood,
Castiglione) (for:
9.0) (against:
Grazio, Muench) (against:
2.2)
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Carpenter to
amend the Regional Agreement to reflect that quorum requirement would be a
simple majority at regularly scheduled meetings and two out of three members
from each town at supplemental meetings. Motion
carried by unanimous approval.
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to
amend the Regional Agreement to reflect electing members in accordance with
option (3) of M.G.L. c. 71, section 14E (electing members with residency
requirements in district-wide elections to be held at the biennial state
elections) with equally weighted votes. Motion
failed. (for: Levine,
Cronin, Gadd, Atwood, Castiglione) (for:
4.6) (against:
Grazio, Buell, Muench, Piccolomini, O’Keefe)
(against: 5.5)
(abstain: Carpenter)
(abstain: 1.1)
Mrs. Conner arrived at 11:10 p.m.
Majority Vote changed to 6.1.
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Atwood to
amend the Regional Agreement to reflect that the Agreement could be amended at
any Town Meeting with three out of three approval.
Motion passed. (for:
Conner, Levine, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood,
Castiglione) (for:
8.7) (against:
Grazio, Muench) (against:
2.2) (abstain:
Buell) (abstain:
1.1)
It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe
to have the Superintendent request legal counsel to draft appropriate language
for the amendments to the Regional Agreement for submission to the towns for
warrant articles. Motion passed.
(for: Buell, Conner, Levine,
Carpenter, Piccolomini, Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood, Castiglione)
(for: 9.8)
(abstain: Grazio, Muench)
(abstain: 2.2)
It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. O’Keefe
to have each of the amendments to the Regional Agreement submitted as individual
articles on the town warrants. Motion
passed. (for:
Conner, Levine, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood,
Castiglione) (for:
8.7) (against:
Grazio, Buell, Muench) (against:
3.3)
The meeting was adjourned at 11:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Brenda D’Zmura
Recording Secretary
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Business
Meeting Minutes
Middle School
March 22, 2005
Members Present:
Chairwoman Piccolomini, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Carpenter, Mr. Castiglione, Mrs.
Conner, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Gadd, Mr. Levine and Mrs. Muench.
Chairwoman Piccolomini called the
meeting to order at 7:42 p.m.
Majority vote was 4.6.
It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Cronin to approve the agenda as amended. Mr. Castiglione added the Superintendent’s evaluation to Old Business. Motion carried by unanimous approval.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to approve the consent agenda. Motion carried. (for: Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, Levine, Piccolomini) (for: 7.9) (opposed: Muench) (opposed: 1.1)
Several people took the opportunity to address the Committee,
which included Julie Anderson and Ann Quigley, both of whom are teachers, and
Greg Pope and Bill Stasiuk, both involved with project “Step Up.”
Dr. MacLean addressed the audience and explained the different options on the Version III budget proposal.
Chairwoman Piccolomini read a statement and questions
prepared by Mr. O’Keefe, who was unable to attend the meeting.
He asked Assistant Principal Jonathan Seymour to provide more information
to the audience regarding the proposed freshman academy.
Mrs. Carpenter questioned whether the town officials were
interested in using the two-step method. Selectman
Darke stated that Groveland is not in favor it.
Selectman Sinibaldi of Merrimac would like to see all the changes put on
hold until the Regional Agreement has been decided on.
Selectman O’Sullivan of
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Castiglione to
put forth Mr. Castiglione’s budget proposal as a starting point for
discussion. After much discussion,
the motion was rescinded.
Discussion continued.
·
2004 - 0.81 per gallon
·
2005 - 1.72 per gallon
·
2006 - 1.89 per gallon, projected
Blended classrooms became a topic of discussion.
Bill Darke, Groveland Selectman, asked that if blended classrooms are so
great, why aren’t they implemented in all classes?
Mrs. Conner stated that she was strongly opposed to blended classrooms
and that having 27 students in a third-grade class is not acceptable.
Dr. MacLean asked the Committee to allow a pilot program to go forward
which would provide a lot of service and would save money.
Mr. Castiglione believed he found $700,000 which could be
cut, but the administration believed the figure to be closer to $100,000.
Mr. Buell would like to see the District
maintain our K-6 classes at 20 students or below.
He proposed adding 11 FTEs at $40,000K equating to $440,000.
Dr. MacLean stated the District probably does not have the space to do
that. Dr. MacLean reiterated that
research shows that at K-1-2, class size matters and should ideally be 15-18
students.
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Conner to
carry the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion
carried by unanimous approval.
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Gadd to move
forward on the budget with a supplemental operating assessment of $1,271,280.
An amendment was made by Mrs. Carpenter to add $100,000 back in to make
the figure $1,371,280 as reflected in Option II of the FY06 Proposed Budget.
Motion failed. (for:
Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Cronin, Gadd, Piccolomini)
(for: 6.0)
(against: Conner, Levine,
Muench) (against:
3.0)
[Note: A 2/3 vote
of the full Committee – 8.0 – is needed in order for the budget to pass]
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Conner to
increase the supplemental operating assessment to $1.8 million.
Motion failed. (for:
Buell, Conner, Levine, Muench) (for:
4.1) (against:
Carpenter, Castiglione, Cronin, Gadd, Piccolomini)
(against: 4.9)
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mrs. Gadd to move
forward with a budget of $27,440,652 that would do away with blended classrooms
and restore the three teams at the Middle School.
Motion failed. (for:
Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, Levin, Piccolomini)
(for: 7.9)
(against: Muench)
(against: 1.1)
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Levine to
carry the meeting past 10:30 p.m. Motion
carried by unanimous approval.
It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. Buell to move
forward with a budget of $27,500,652 with the conditions that (1) there will be
no blended classrooms implemented, (2) the three teams will be restored at the
Middle School as well as foreign language and art (3) total cut in fine arts
will be .2 (4) there will be no new positions.
A new budget document with all programs and services listed is to be
provided. Motion passed by unanimous
approval. (for:
Buell, Carpenter, Castiglione, Conner, Cronin, Gadd, Levine, Muench,
Piccolomini) (for:
9.0)
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Cronin to
carry the meeting past 11:00 p.m. Motion
carried by unanimous approval.
It was moved by Mr. Castiglione and seconded by Mr. Buell to
talk about the Superintendent’s recommended goals from his November 9, 2004
memo to the School Committee. Motion
passed. (for:
Buell, Castiglione, Cronin, Levine, Muench, Piccolomini)
(for: 6.3)
(against: Conner, Gadd)
(against: 1.6)
(abstain: Carpenter)
(abstain: 1.1)
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20 p.m.
Recording Secretary
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
High
School
April 5, 2005
Members
Present:
Chairman Piccolomini, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Atwood, Mrs. Gadd,
Mr.
Buell, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Cronin, Mr. Levine, Mrs. Muench, and Mrs. Dube
Carpenter
Mr. Binaghi, Mrs. Jervey, Mr.
Harrison, Mr. Benincasa, Student Representatives, M. Williams,
L. Teeters, C. Burns, Spectators
and Press
Chairman Piccolomini called the
meeting to order at 7:28 p.m.
The majority vote was set at 5.7.
Mr. Williams led the Committee in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
Chairman Piccolomini read a
resignation statement from Mr. Castiglione. Chairman Piccolomini thanked Mr.
Castiglione for his service to this District.
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Atwood to accept the agenda as
amended. The amendments were to add Superintendent’s contract, goals and
evaluation tool to the executive session. Motion
carried. (for: Levine, O’Keefe, Buell, Muench, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Grazio,
Conner, Cronin, Atwood,)(opposed: Gadd)(for: 10.1)(opposed: .8)
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to accept the consent agenda
as amended. The Minutes dated March 22nd and Mr. Benincasa’s memo
regarding blended classrooms were removed. Motion carried. (for: O’Keefe,
Levine, Buell, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Gadd)(opposed:
Muench, Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2)
Minutes
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Carpenter to approve the minutes as
amended. The amendment was on page three. The second motion was rewritten to
read, “It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. Buell to move forward
with a budget of $27,500,652 with the conditions that (1) there will be no
blended classrooms implemented, (2) the three teams will be restored at the
Middle School as well as foreign language and art (3) the total cuts in fine
arts will be .2 (4) there will be no new positions. A new budget document with
all programs and services listed is to be provided. Motion carried. (unanimous
approval)” Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Muench, Buell, Levine, Conner,
Cronin, Gadd)(abstained: Grazio, O’Keefe, Carpenter, Atwood)
(for:
6.8)(4.1)
Blended
Classrooms
It
was moved by Mrs. Gadd and seconded by Mr. Cronin to give the principals the
ability to set up blended classrooms with parental consent. Motion withdrawn.
Discussion
followed:
·
The previous vote on having no blended classrooms would have to be
reconsidered.
·
Some members said that this should be an option district wide and with
parental consent. Some also said that it should be made for educational benefits
not financial.
·
Mr. Benincasa offered to set up a meeting with parents and teachers to
discuss this model. There are staff members at the Bagnall that are very excited
about this program.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to reconsider Mrs. Muench’s
motion which read “It was moved by Mrs. Muench and seconded by Mr. Buell to
move forward with a budget of $27,500,652 with the conditions that (1) there
will be no blended classrooms implemented, (2) the three teams will be restored
at the Middle School as well as foreign language and art (3) the total cuts in
fine arts will be .2 (4) there will be no new positions. A new budget document
with all programs and services listed is to be provided. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval)” with the amendment of removing (1). Motion carried.
(for: Buell, Conner, Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood)(opposed: Grazio, Levine,
Muench, Piccolomini)(abstained: Carpenter)(for: 5.4)(opposed: 4.4)(abstained:
1.1)
A few community members commented on the budget. Mrs.
Parquette asked the Committee to be specific as to what the supplemental budget
contained so that voters could have a better understanding. Mr. Minichiello said
that Groveland approved the budget, however, if changes occurred they had the
right to reconsider. Selectwoman Sheehan said that the purpose of
regionalization was to have the same curriculum across the District and she
feels Bagnall gets less than the other schools.
Administrative Reports
Middle School Roof
Project Update
Dr. MacLean gave the Committee a brief update on the Middle
School roof project. It is 33% complete. June 1st is the deadline for
completion. Mr. Repucci reported that the funding is expected in two weeks.
Dr. MacLean gave the committee a presentation on “Pathways
to Success Mathematics Education”. This presentation creates options and eases
transitions for middle and high school math students. It also responds to the
committee’s goal “to evaluate K-12 math integration with special emphasis on
elementary to middle and middle school to high school transitions”. This plan
included a time line April 2005 to June 2007.
Discussion followed:
It was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Gadd to
support the Pathways to Success Mathematics program through 05/06 with the
understanding that there will be ongoing research on IM. There was a friendly
amendment to have the research done by October 31, 2005. Motion was tabled.
Dr. McGinn updated the Committee on the Bagnall principal
search. The position has been advertised, screening committee formed and focus
group sessions have been held. There are 11 members on the committee including
parents, teachers, selectman, school committee, principal and central office
personnel. Interviews will be held on April 26th through April 30th.
The finalists will be submitted to the School Committee. The screening committee
members would like to select the principal prior to the summer break.
The Groveland Police Department has approached the District
to cost share flashing lights on the approach to
It was moved by Mrs. Conner and seconded by Mr. Buell to
direct the Superintendent to enter into discussion with the Groveland Police
Department. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Dr. MacLean gave members a copy of the Department of Revenue
certified excess and deficiency for FY04. The amount of unencumbered excess and
deficiency funds/surplus revenue available July 1, 2004 for the District is
$576,896. At this time there are no recommendations for the money. Dr. MacLean
is looking at a deficit for this year. Members cautioned on allocating funds
until the budget process is complete.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to
continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
At the last meeting members approved the FY06 budget
$27,500,652. The administration was asked to look at further efficiencies
specifically in category three and non representing salaries for further
evaluation by the Committee. The adjustments total $168,954.The three teams at
the middle school will be restored (costing $100,000). Discussion followed on
redistributing $68,954:
·
Mr. Greenberg
commented that the schools are in need of major repairs. There is always a risk
with category three spending.
·
Superintendent
recommended $35,000 to the middle school for a full time assistant principal.
·
Mrs. Conner said
that assistant principals affect the student body daily. It may not be a
teaching position but it relates to students. Mr. Atwood said that if you
compare student population, there are two full time administrators in Merrimac
and there should be two full time administrators at the Bagnall.
·
Mrs. Carpenter
has concerns that hiring a principal at the Bagnall without an assistant is a
poor selling point and this may not attract the most valuable person. Selectman
Gorski agreed. Mrs. Carpenter said there is a direct correlation between having
someone be the assistant principal and the success of the students in that
school.
·
Mr. Buell would
like it in the record that he was disappointed that the only recommendations by
administration to the School Committee were assistant principal positions.
·
Both Mr. Binaghi
and Mr. Benincasa spoke on the importance of an assistant principal.
Mr.
Binaghi said he felt very strongly about having an assistant work with students
with academic, emotional and behavioral issues. He is concerned that issues may
fall through the cracks without this support. Mr. Benincasa agreed adding that
it helped the school with an “open door policy”. Dr. MacLean supports the
recommendation.
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Cronin to
continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m.
Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Grazio, Carpenter,
O’Keefe, Levine, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Gadd)(opposed: Buell, Muench)(for:
8.7)(opposed: 2.2)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Conner and seconded by Mrs. Gadd to have
a full time assistant principal at the middle school and to reinstate three full
teams at the middle school. There was a friendly amendment to add a full time
assistant principal to the
It was moved by Mrs. Muench and second by Mrs. Carpenter to
have a new budget document including class sizes. There was a friendly amendment
to have it emailed on Monday and the final packet at the next Committee meeting
on April 12th . Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Atwood to
continue the meeting past 11:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Grazio,
Carpenter, Conner, Gadd, Atwood, O’Keefe, Levine)(opposed: Muench, Cronin,
Buell)(for: 7.9)(opposed: 3.0)
Chairman Piccolomini gave members a copy of the regional
agreement warrants.
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Atwood to
accept the donation of $422 to the
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Atwood to
appoint Paul Tucker to the Whittier Vo-Tech Committee. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Atwood to enter
in executive session for the purposes of negotiations. Motion carried by roll
call vote. (for: Piccolomini, Grazio, Carpenter, O’Keefe, Buell, Levine,
Cronin, Gadd, Conner, Atwood)(opposed: Muench)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 1.1)
Adjournment
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to
adjourn the meeting at 12:08 a.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Recording Secretary
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
High
School
April 12, 2005
Members
Present:
Chairman Piccolomini, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Atwood, Mrs. Gadd,
Mr.
Buell, Mr. O’Keefe, Mr. Cronin, Mr. Levine, Mrs. Muench, and Mrs. Dube
Carpenter
Also
Present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn,
Mrs.
Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Benincasa, Student Representatives, L. Teeters,
C.
Burns, Spectators and Press
Chairman
Piccolomini called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
The
majority vote was set at 5.7.
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Cronin to accept the agenda as
amended. The amendments were to allow Groveland Selectman, Dr. Darke, to speak
before the public comment, to add the discussion on blended classrooms after
the public comment and to discuss the Superintendent’s resignation letter.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the consent agenda
as amended. The Finance Report and the letter regarding school transportation
fees were removed for comment. Motion carried. (for: O’Keefe, Levine, Buell,
Carpenter, Piccolomini, Conner, Cronin, Atwood, Gadd)(opposed: Muench,
Grazio)(for: 8.7)(opposed: 2.2)
Mr.
Levine will be the Chairman of the Finance Subcommittee. It was noted that
there were no
minutes
from the last subcommittee meeting.
It
was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Atwood to appoint Mr. Levine to
give oath to the payroll. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It
was clarified that members would like to know who is being charged bus fees in
Merrimac.
At
the April 5th meeting members reconsidered a previous motion and
voted to have blended classrooms in the District.
·
The
now
feel that it would be in the best interest of the school to wait until there
is a permanent principal.
·
There
will be a meeting held on Thursday, April 14th at 6:30 p.m. for
information purposes for teachers and parents. School Committee members were
invited.
·
Selectman
Darke said this only affects Bagnall and questioned how it affected the
regional agreement. He also said that this is not the time to propose this
idea. He said it is not happening at the Page school and Merrimac doesn’t
have the numbers. Lastly, he commented that it should not be about the money.
·
Dr.
MacLean said that blended classrooms are a good viable option and recommended
members not rescind until after the meeting on Thursday.
·
Mrs.
Grazio said she has not seen the curriculum. She asked the cost of the program
and if this needs to be negotiated with the teacher’s contract.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Carpenter to rescind the decision
to have blended classrooms next year at Pentucket with the intent that it will
be revisited this summer. Motion carried. (for: Grazio, Buell, Levine,
Carpenter, Muench, Piccolomini, Atwood)((opposed: Conner, Cronin, O’Keefe,
Gadd)(for: 7.4)(opposed: 3.5)
Administrative
Reports
FY05
Deficit Presentation
Dr.
MacLean gave members data on “deficit drivers”. There are three areas:
special education, category II and III, and salaries. Special education costs
have increased due to out of district placements. One student was just placed
out costing the district $230,000. Circuit breaker money comes into the
district the following year and on this particular case should be $140,000
reimbursement. In category II and III insurance costs have not yet been
determined. In category III utility costs have increased. In the salaries
account there were some errors with column movement and retirements. Two
teachers that were on the list to retire last year did not leave. Overtime was
also greater than expected with custodians due to snow removal. There is money
in revolving accounts to help pay for overages. There is also $576,000 in E
& D account. There will be funds available from circuit breaker.
·
Mr.
Atwood said that the monthly budget reports have shown that the deficit has
been approximately $200,000. Mr. Atwood asked if funds have been used from
other revolving accounts to lower the deficit amount. He would like a list of
all revolving accounts with balances and transactions year to date and with
budget versus actual expenses year to date. Dr. MacLean said that money from
choice funds has been applied. This decision was made last year to apply this
money to people that provide CIS and enrichment services.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Carpenter and second by Mr. Atwood to have Mr. Greenberg
provide an analysis budget verses actual expenses to date with a complete
listing of all revolving funds with balances and transactions for FY05. Motion
withdrawn.
Mr.
Greenberg gave members a memo on the deficit. The projected range is $500,000
to $700,000. Mr. Greenberg’s strategy to address this deficit is to use
E&D, Circuit Breaker, and Revolving Accounts. Mr. Greenberg is taking the
following steps immediately.
·
Concentrate
all efforts on the review and correction of FY05.
·
Review
every expenditure line and all subsequent detail for that line for every
account
(general fund, grants, and revolving accounts).
·
Get
all receipts reconciled and update with the cash book.
·
Continue
review and restructuring of the Business Office.
·
Hold
off on any financial projections until the end of June.
·
General
Ledger will also be reviewed.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. O’Keefe and seconded by Mrs. Conner that upon completion
and presentation of the final deficit number by the end of May or June that
any money in excess of $500,000 from the total of stabilization, revolving
funds, and E &D, be applied to reinstating teachers. Motion withdrawn.
Discussion
continued:
he
was under the impression that this money would be used to pay teachers and
supplies.
Because there is a surplus in the accounts, Mr. Buell questioned if these
funds
were used appropriately.
He
suggested moving one person to the business office given the situation there.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Buell to direct the Chair to work
with the Business Manager to arrange for an emergency audit. There was a
friendly amendment to ask the auditor to answer specific questions and
to have the focus be whether funds have been transferred consistent specific
with state law. There was an amendment to waive the RFP process and to have an
independent auditor. Motion carried. (for: Grazio, Buell, Levine, Carpenter,
Muench, Piccolomini, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood)(opposed: Conner)(abstained:
Cronin)(9.5)(opposed: .8)(abstained: .8)
He
made the following motion:
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Atwood and seconded by Mr. Levine to have the Committee ask
the Superintendent to resign effective with the appointment of an interim
Superintendent. Motion carried. (for: Grazio, Buell, Levine, Carpenter, Muench,
Piccolomini, O’Keefe, Atwood)(opposed: Conner)(abstained: Cronin, Gadd)(for:
8.5)
(opposed:
.8)(abstained: 1.6)
Discussion
continued:
Attorney
Finnegan was present and said that the committee could enter into an executive
session to discuss strategies.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Atwood to continue the meeting past
10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Levine to enter into Executive
Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3 for the purposes of discussing a
grievance, negotiations and strategy. Motion carried by roll call vote.
(unanimous approval)
FY06
Budget
Discussion/Comments
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell to direct the administration to develop a supplemental
budget and what could be lost if the override does not pass in Merrimac. He
would also like to show the FY06 Budget adjustment data on what is already
lost. There was no second on this motion.
Discussion
continued:
Adjournment
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Cronin and seconded by Mr. Atwood to adjourn the meeting at
11:15p.m. Motion carried. (for: Grazio, Conner, Levine, Carpenter, Muench,
Piccolomini, Cronin, O’Keefe, Gadd, Atwood)(opposed: Buell)(for:
9.8)(opposed: 1.1)
Respectfully
submitted,
Marianne
Naffah
Recording
Secretary
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
High
School
May 3, 2005
Members
Present:
Chairman Piccolomini, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Atwood, Mr. Baker,
Mr.
Buell, Mr. O’Keefe, Dr. Littlefield, Mr. Levine, Ms. Blades, Mrs. Brooks and
Mrs. Dube Carpenter
Mrs.
Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mr. Benincasa, Mrs. Townes, Director of Pupil Services,
Ms. O’Brien, Student Representatives, L. Teeters, C. Burns, Spectators
and Press
Chairman
Piccolomini called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
The
majority vote was set at 6.1.
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to accept the agenda as
amended. The amendment was adding the letter from the Merrimac resident to the
Consent Agenda. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Atwood to accept the Consent
Agenda as amended. The Finance Reports, the Minutes, the Audit Management
Letter, Giusti, Hingston and Company’s Contract and Inge Buerger’s letter
were removed. Motion carried. (for: O’Keefe, Levine, Buell, Carpenter,
Piccolomini, Conner, Baker, Atwood, Littlefield, Brooks)(opposed: Blades,
Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 2.2)
Minutes
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to accept the minutes of
April 12, 2005 as amended. The amendments were on the third page. The second
sentence on the first motion on that page was changed to read: “There was a
friendly amendment to ask the auditor to answer specific questions and to have
the focus be whether funds have been transferred consistent with state law.”
The first sentence under the second motion/vote was rewritten to read: “It
was moved by Mr. Atwood and seconded by Mr. Levine to have the Committee ask
the Superintendent to resign effective with the appointment of an interim
Superintendent.” Motion carried. (for: Grazio, Carpenter, Blades,
Piccolomini, Buell, O’Keefe, Brooks, Levine, Conner, Atwood, Baker)(present:
Littlefield)(for: 11.2)(present: .8)
The
Finance Reports were removed from the consent agenda. They will be approved by
the Finance Subcommittee on May 17th.
Members
would like Mr. Giusti to attend the next Committee meeting on May 17th
to discuss the
audit
and management letter.
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to have the auditor come to
the next Committee meeting. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It
was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Levine to send Giusti‘s
contract to our legal counsel to see if we are bound by the contract or if we
can void it and put out other proposals immediately. This motion was made
because the School Committee did not authorize the contract. Motion carried.
(for: Blades, Grazio, Carpenter, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Baker)(opposed:
Piccolomini, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield, O’Keefe)(for: 7.4)(opposed: 4.6)
·
Mrs.
Grazio mentioned her concern that the District has paid the auditors
considerably more than negotiated in the contracts. She would like to see
proposals put out for other firms.
·
Mr.
Buell said that Giusti’s contract was not approved by the Committee.
·
Dr.
MacLean said that in the past contracts have been signed by the Business
Manager and the Superintendent. Mr. Buell questioned the timeliness of sending
out the management letters. Dr. MacLean said that Mr. Giusti was in the
process of amending the first letters. The second letter was an addendum to
the first letter. Mr. Buell would like it in the record that an addendum was
discussed and agreed upon by the auditor and the Superintendent.
·
Ms.
Blades asked if the auditors were correcting mistakes. Mr. Greenberg said they
can not do that. It would violate the relationship. They are consultants. They
are training employees. Mr. Greenberg said the books have to be up to date.
·
Members
asked if this was part of their contract. It is not. Members mentioned
concerned that the accounting office is in this turmoil.
·
Mr.
Greenberg said there was a lack of leadership with the business side of the
house. The accountant that was hired was not capable. Mr. Greenberg said that
he has to fix FY05 before he begins FY06.
·
Mrs.
Grazio asked Attorney Finnegan if a telephone call or email to give oath to
the payroll meets the requirements of the law. He responded that since the
purpose of authorizing someone to give oath was to have that person review the
records, and that was not possible by phone or email, that it did not. It has
been suggested that a member of the Finance Subcommittee will come in to the
office and oath the payroll.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Carpenter and seconded by Mrs. Conner to accept the donation
to the
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to enter into Executive
Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3 for the purposes of contract
negotiations. Motion carried by roll call vote. (unanimous approval)
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Atwood to continue the meeting past
10:30 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Bagnall
Principal Search Update
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Carpenter and seconded by Mr. Buell to move the Bagnall
Principal Search Update to be the next topic of discussion on the agenda.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
·
Dr.
Littlefield excused himself from the discussion for personal reasons.
·
Dr.
McGinn gave the Superintendent the names of two finalists. Dr. MacLean
extended the search. He would like to see a larger pool. An ad was put in the
Sunday Globe on May 1st.
·
Dr.
McGinn introduced the subcommittee. Members included Mrs. Carpenter, Mrs.
Gorski, Mrs. Lee-Locke, Mrs. McGrath, Mrs. Cunniff, Mrs. Perry and Ms.
O’Brien.
·
Mrs.
Carpenter said that the Committee should have received the consideration of
having the finalist interviewed before the search was extended. Mrs. Carpenter
and Mrs. Lee-Locke said they were disappointed that the search was extended
before the Superintendent interviewed the two finalists. They both felt that
extending the search before the finalists were interviewed sent a negative
message to the finalists.
Dr.
MacLean asked the elementary principals to update the Committee on the Full
Day Kindergarten Program for next year.
·
Mrs.
Perry said that she has two classes for the full day kindergarten program. The
teacher/student ratio will be 1 – 18. Three teachers from the
·
Mrs.
Jervey said that she has one full day class. She may have a second one. The
teacher/student ratio is 1 to 18/19.
·
Mr.
Benincasa said that he has one section of full day students with at
teacher/student ratio of 1 to 18/20.
·
Dr.
Littlefield commended the Superintendent and administration for initiating a
full day kindergarten. He asked the following questions: 1) Was the District
able to take advantage of the full day kindergarten grant? The answer was no.
2) He would like to receive the curriculum and to see how it was developed. 3)
What professional development is in place? 4. What is the cost effectiveness
of this program with relation to Chapter 70? 5. What plans are in place for
the professional development and curriculum development for first graders who
come out of these full day programs?
·
Dr.
MacLean said that it would affect the skill sets of the students in terms of
literacy. He said adjustments will be made for these students. Dr. MacLean
said that the District has also begun a curriculum mapping process.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Levine to direct the
Superintendent to provide the curriculum for full day kindergarten, how the
curriculum was developed, what the professional development plan is, and a
cost analysis that will include information on the impact on Chapter 70. A
friendly amendment was made to have the curriculum and professional
development included for first graders. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to continue the meeting
passed 11:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Buell, Brooks, Levine, Grazio,
Piccolomini, Carpenter, Conner, Atwood) (opposed: Baker, Blades,
O’Keefe, Littlefield)(for: 8.2)(opposed: 3.8)
It
was moved by Ms. Blades and second by Mr. Buell to direct the Chair to send
Mrs. Muench, Mr. Castiglione, Mr. Cronin, Mrs. Gadd, and Mr. O’Keefe a thank
you letter for serving on the School Committee. Motion carried. (unanimous
approval)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Atwood to adjourn the meeting at
11:15 p.m. and to table FY05 Deficit and NCLB Report Cards. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval)
Recording
Secretary
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle
School
May 17, 2005
Members
Present:
Chairman Piccolomini, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Atwood, Mr. Baker,
Mr.
Buell, Mrs. Moran, Dr. Littlefield, Mr. Levine, Ms. Blades, Mrs. Brooks and
Mrs. Dube Carpenter
Also Present:
Dr. MacLean, Dr. McGinn,
Mrs. Jervey, Mr. Harrison, Mr.
Benincasa, Director of Pupil Services, Ms. O’Brien, and Press
Chairman Piccolomini called the
meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
The majority vote was set at 6.1.
Dr. MacLean led the Committee in
the Pledge of Allegiance.
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to accept the agenda as
amended. The amendments were to move the public comment discussion before the
Committee reorganization, to add a discussion on the regional
agreements/warrants, to add a discussion on classroom sizes to the discussion
of the FY06 budget and to discuss extra meetings for the purposes of a budget
workshop and Committee operations. Motion
carried. (unanimous approval)
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the Consent Agenda
as amended. The finance reports, the minutes, letter from Giusti, Hingston and
Company, Bagnall principal search update and the email from S. Greenberg FY05
deficit and business office update were removed.
Motion carried. (for: Moran, Levine, Buell, Carpenter, Piccolomini,
Conner, Baker, Atwood, Littlefield, Brooks, Blades)(opposed: Grazio)(for:
10.9)(opposed: 1.1)
Minutes
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mr. Baker to accept the minutes of May
3, 2005 as amended. The amendments were as follows. The last sentence on the
first page was rewritten: “Members would like Mr. Giusti to attend the next
Committee meeting on May 17th to discuss the audit and the
management letter.” On the second page, the second motion was rewritten to
include the comment that the “committee did not authorize the contract”.
In last sentence on the last bullet the word “decided” was changed to
“suggested”. On the third page under Full Day Kindergarten program, Dr.
Littlefield’s fourth question was rewritten: “What is the cost
effectiveness of this program in relation to Chapter 70?” On the fourth
page, fourth paragraph, first sentence was rewritten: “Mrs. Townes passed
out data on electives.” Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Finance
Report
The
Finance Reports were removed from the consent agenda because they have not
been approved by the Finance Subcommittee. They will be approved on June 7th.
FY05
Deficit and Business Office Update
It
has been brought to Mr. Greenberg’s attention that the District needs a
personnel handbook for all staff. He is in the process of gathering and
reviewing samples from other Districts.
Mr.
Greenberg gave the Committee the proposal from Melanson & Health. The
proposal from Powers and Sullivan has not come in yet. There has been a delay
due to a death in the family.
It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mrs. Carpenter to
direct the administration to prepare a delegation of authority by the first
meeting in July. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Carpenter, Moran, Buell,
Conner, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Blades, Grazio, Brooks,
Levine)(for: 7.6)(opposed: 4.4)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mr. Levine to
direct the administration to put a hiring freeze on administrative positions.
There was a friendly amendment to include no promotions or demotions on
administrative staff. Motion withdrawn.
Long Term Tech Planning
and Coordinated Program Review
Dr. McGinn requested that the Committee hear the report from
the Tech Planning Committee. He would like them to come to the June 21st
business meeting. Chairman Piccolomini said that was fine.
Dr. McGinn gave the Committee a draft of the Coordinated
Program Review a month ago. The District is required to have the Chair sign
off on the report. Dr. McGinn would like to have the opportunity to share the
corrective action plan with the Committee at the first meeting in June.
Public Comment
There were several members from the community that spoke
about their concerns with the class sizes at the elementary level. They would
like the Committee to honor their commitment and address this issue.
Dr. Littlefield said that he would like to revisit multiage
classrooms. He is very supportive in giving parents options.
He has seen them work miracles for students. Members reminded him that
there was a motion at a previous meeting not to have blended classrooms at
this time and to revisit the issue in the summer.
Mr. Labreque suggested that there be a pilot program for
blended classrooms. He reminded members that three out of the four town
members had to vote in favor of it. He said that as a parent he has not seen
anything on the curriculum and the decision for the Bagnall should be made
when a principal has been appointed.
Mrs. Parquette spoke about the Merrimac town meeting held on
May 16th. She said that Mr. Buell violated the School Committee
Code of Ethics twice during the meeting by publicly denouncing changes to the
regional agreement. She said he spoke out against the changes that the
Committee had approved. Mrs. Paquette said that this confused voters and she
questioned Mr. Buell’s ability to represent Merrimac families as part of the
School Committee. Mrs. Moran said that community members were confused and she
would like to discuss the Committee’s policy/guidelines with speaking at a
town meeting as a Committee member. Mrs. Grazio and Ms. Blades said that he
had the right of free speech when speaking before a governmental body.
Attorney Finnegan said there should be a policy in place and he asked if there
was a specific charge of the School Committee members in each town.
Mrs. Grazio nominated Mr. Atwood for the Chairman’s
position. Mrs. Moran seconded the nomination. Mrs. Conner nominated Dr.
Littlefield. Dr. Littlefield thanked the Committee for the nomination but said
at this time he is not interested. Mr. Atwood was voted Chairman. (for:
Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Conner,
Littlefield, Baker)(present: Atwood)
Mr. Levine nominated Mr. Buell for the position of Vice
Chairman. Mrs. Brooks seconded the nomination for Mr. Buell. Mrs. Carpenter
nominated Mrs. Moran. Mrs. Moran second the nomination. Mr. Buell was voted
Vice Chairman. (for Buell: Buell, Grazio, Levine, Blades, Littlefield, Brooks,
Baker)(for: Moran: Moran, Conner, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Atwood)
Mr. Buell nominated Mrs. Piccolomini for the Treasurer’s
position. Mr. Levine seconded the nomination. Mrs. Piccolomini was voted
Treasurer by a unanimous vote.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to
reappoint Mr. Repucci as district treasurer. Motion carried. (for: Grazio,
Piccolomini, Blades, Buell, Levine, Moran, Brooks, Conner, Atwood, Baker,
Littlefield)(abstained: Carpenter)(for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Buell to have
Mr. Levine oath the payroll and to have Mrs. Piccolomini as an alternate.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to have
the School Committee meetings on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.
They will be held in the middle school building. Motion carried. (for: Grazio,
Piccolomini, Blades, Buell, Levine, Moran, Brooks, Conner, Atwood, Baker,
Carpenter)(opposed: Littlefield)(for: 11.2)(opposed: .8)
The Committee agreed to try to set up two extra workshops.
One for a discussion on the FY06 budget. The Committee would like to see the
next layer down of detail on the budget. The second workshop will be for
School Committee operations.
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and second by Mr. Levine to have
additional information on the budget including additional revenue streams for
the workshop. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and second by Mr. Baker to enter
into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3 for the purposes of
discussion negotiations. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for: Piccolomini,
Blades, Carpenter, Levine, Brooks, Moran, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed:
Conner, Buell, Grazio)(for: 9.0)(opposed: 3.0)
Executive Session 9:15 through 10:35.
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to table
all remaining articles on the agenda except Full Day Kindergarten. There was
an amendment not to table the audit. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Full Day Kindergarten
There was a brief discussion on full day kindergarten.
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Carpenter and seconded by Mrs.
Piccolomini to continue the meeting past 11:00 a.m. Motion carried. (for:
Carpenter, Moran, Piccolomini, Atwood, Baker, Conner, Brooks)(opposed:
Levine,Grazio, Buell, Blades, Littlefield)(for: 6.8)(opposed: 5.2)
Auditor’s FY04 Report
Mr. Giusti attended the meeting to discuss the FY04 report.
There was a brief discussion.
Mr. Buell left the meeting at 11:15 P.M. The majority vote
changed to 5.7.
Adjournment
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Piccolomini and seconded by Mrs. Grazio
to adjourn the meeting at 11:23 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Recording Secretary
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School
May 26, 2005
Members Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield,
Mrs. Conner, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Grazio, Ms. Blades, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs.
Carpenter, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Moran, Mrs. Brooks, and Mr. Levine
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr.
Buell to accept the agenda as amended. The amendments were to add a
conversation about the policy for principals attending the meetings and where
they will be placed on the agenda. The second amendment was to add the email
from Mrs. McGrath to correspondence for the purposes of accepting and filing.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Levine and
seconded by Mr. Buell to accept and file the correspondence. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval)
Mr. Giusti attended the
meeting to finish discussing his management letter dated February 17, 2005.
Discussion followed:
required
accounting audit adjustments to correct the mispostings. The cash
reconciliations were not currently being performed in a timely manner.
It was moved by Dr.
Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Buell to request a graphic organizer (task
analysis) on the office to address the shortcomings. This analysis should
include a corrective action plan. This request is for the June 7th
business meeting. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion /Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to
go into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23, B.3 for the purposes of
contract negotiations and litigation. Motion carried by roll call vote.
(unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and
seconded by Mr. Levine to appoint a Finance Subcommittee of five members to
meet 30 minutes before each business meeting, or as deemed by the Finance
Subcommittee Chairman. The five members are Mr. Levine, Mrs. Moran, Mrs.
Piccolomini, Ms. Blades, and Mrs. Conner. The Chairman is Mr. Levine.
The Subcommittee needs three
members to have a quorum. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Mrs. Grazio gave members a list of suggestions. They
included:
The most important point being
that each item is fully supported with data, and that data be in the packet so
that the Committee may review the issues before the meeting.
·
Dr. Littlefield gave the Committee a sample of the Methuen
School Committee’s packet. He suggests the bound packet for the sake of
organization. He briefly reviewed the sample packet.
·
Dr. Littlefield would like to see a more student centered
meeting. He would like to have a student lead the Pledge of Allegiance. He
would like to see students invited in to celebrate their accomplishments. The
Committee agreed.
·
Ms. Blades would like to have the public allowed to speak
throughout the meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and
seconded by Mr. Baker to have the packet bound for the Committee for the June
7th meeting. Motion carried. (for: Blades, Piccolomini, Conner,
Baker, Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed:
Grazio)(for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and
seconded by Mr. Baker to have the agenda in the following format:
The members would like each
item coded. Motion was withdrawn until after the following two motions. This
motion was then voted and carried by unanimous approval.
It was moved by Mr. Levine and
seconded by Mr. Buell to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried.
(for: Blades, Grazio, Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Atwood,
Littlefield)(opposed: Piccolomini, Conner, Baker)(for: 9.3)(opposed: 2.7)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and
seconded by Ms. Blades to reconsider
the motion on having the bound packet for the June 21st meeting instead of the
June 7th meeting. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and
seconded by Dr. Littlefield to have the school committee management team
develop an annual calendar presented to the Committee at the June 7th
meeting. There was a friendly
amendment to have the Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and the Treasurer
form a subcommittee to develop an annual calendar presented to the Committee
at the June 7th meeting. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mrs. Carpenter
and seconded by Mrs. Conner not to have the business meeting continue past
10:00 p.m. unless it is an emergency. Motion failed.(for: Piccolomini,
Carpenter, Conner, Atwood)(opposed: Blades, Grazio, Moran, Brooks, Levine,
Buell, Littlefield, Baker)(for: 3.8)(opposed: 8.2)
It was moved by Mr. Levine and
seconded by Dr. Littlefield to appoint Mrs. Moran and Mrs. Carpenter to the
Sick Leave Buy Back Subcommittee. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades,
Grazio, Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield,
Baker)(abstained: Buell)(for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1)
It was moved by Mrs. Moran and
seconded by Mr. Baker to appoint Mrs. Brooks, Dr. Littlefield, and Mr. Atwood
to the Professional Development Subcommittee. Motion carried. (for: Blades,
Grazio, Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield,
Baker)(abstained: Buell)(for: 9.8)(abstained: 1.1)
It was moved by Mr. Levine and
seconded by Mrs. Moran to appoint Mrs. Grazio, Mr. Baker, and Ms. Blades to
the Grievance Subcommittee. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio,
Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield,
Baker)(abstained: Buell)(for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and
seconded by Mr. Levine to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval)
Recording Secretary
PENTUCKET REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School
May 31, 2005
Members Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Grazio, Ms. Blades, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs. Carpenter, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Moran, Mrs. Brooks, and Mr. Levine
It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to appoint Dr. McGinn as acting Superintendent effective immediately. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to accept the agenda as amended. The amendments were to appoint Dr. McGinn as acting Superintendent, add a discussion on appointing an Interim Superintendent, an update on the Bagnall School Principal Search, and a Conflict of Interest Statement. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to accept and file the correspondence. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Conner to look within the District for a candidate interested in the Superintendent’s position. Motion failed. (for: Blades, Grazio, Brooks)(opposed: Piccolomini, Carpenter, Moran, Buell, Conner, Littlefield, Baker)(abstained: Atwood)(for: 3.3)(opposed: 6.8)(abstained: .8)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to create a task force given the charges to utilize a consultant and to work with the consultant to find an interim candidate and forward those candidates to the full Committee for consideration. The candidates may be both internal and outside. There was a friendly amendment to limit the process to 30 days. Motion failed. (For: Buell, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Carpenter, Moran, Brooks)(for: 4.3)(opposed: 6.6)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker that if an Interim Superintendent (internal or outside) is appointed that person will not be allowed to apply for the permanent position of Superintendent. Motion carried. (for: Blades, Grazio, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Conner, Littlefield)(opposed: Piccolomini, Carpenter, Moran, Atwood, Baker)(for: 7.1)(opposed: 4.9)
It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to form a subcommittee to find an interim candidates and to forward them to the full Committee within 30 days. The subcommittee will forward 3 finalists to the full Committee. The subcommittee will report to the full Committee with recommended criteria to be determined within 7 days. The subcommittee will have 5 or less member including one member from each time. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mrs. Conner to have the following people on the subcommittee. Mr. Buell, Mrs. Grazio, Dr. Littlefield, Mrs. Moran and Mrs. Piccolomini. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Mr.
Baker added a Disclosure of Appearance of Conflict of Interest Statement to the
record. It states, “My son is a student in the third grade at the
The
screening committee received an additional 15 applications. Six additional
candidates were interviews. Three of these individuals were invited to continue
as finalists. One accepted and two withdrew citing salary as their reason. There
are two finalists in addition from the first round of interviewing. Site visits
have been scheduled for June 2, 3 and 10. The finalists are Elaine Champion from
Amesbury, Mitchell Grosky from Athol, and Thaiadora Katsos from
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to start the budget discussion by starting line by line on the budget beginning with the elementary schools. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mrs. Grazio to get parody at the elementary level and to get the high school to where it should be. Motion withdrawn.
It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Baker to have the administration give the Committee a report by October 15th which would compare the MCAS scores of choice students to district students. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Carpenter, Moran, Buell, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Blades, Grazio, Brooks, Levine)(for: 7.6)(opposed: 4.4)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Moran, Brooks, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Grazio, Carpenter, Levine, Buell)(for: 8.7)(3.3)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to continue the meeting past 10:30 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Grazio)(for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1)
The Committee “wrapped up” the budget discussion. Chairman Atwood plans to meet with Mr. Greenberg this week to review all of the questions. Chairman Atwood will be emailing the Committee the information he gets this week.
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to adjourn the meeting at 10:48 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Recording Secretary
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Middle School
June 7, 2005
Members
Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mrs. Conner, Mr. Baker, Mrs.
Grazio, Ms. Blades, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs. Carpenter, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Moran,
Mrs. Brooks, and Mr. Levine
Motion/Vote
It was
moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to accept the agenda as amended.
The amendments were to remove the emails from Carol Grazio/Margaret Muench and
Donna Torvi from Correspondence, to add a comment on the Regional Agreement
after Correspondence, to move the FY06 Budget after Field Trip Request, to add
the emails removed from Correspondence to Old Business, and to add Unfinished
Business to Old Business. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Kendra
Bowker introduced the “Merrimac Citizens for a Strong Community”. Members
are looking forward to working with the Committee to educate the community about
the District’s issues.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to accept
and file the correspondence. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
May 17, 2005
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to
approve the minutes of May 17, 2005 as amended. The amendment is on page 3,
paragraph 8. Mrs. Moran seconded the nomination, not Ms. Blades. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to
accept the minutes as amended. The first amendment is on page 4, Mrs. Grazio did
not vote in favor of having the packets bound for the June 7th
meeting. On page 4, Mrs. Grazio clarified that the motion to reconsider the
motion on the bound packet for the June 21st meeting was just a vote
for reconsideration that requires more discussion and then another vote. On page
5 the second vote was corrected to abstained 1.1 Motion carried. (unanimous
approval)
It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Levine to
table the binding of the packets until the seconded meeting in September. (for:
Grazio, Carpenter, Piccolomini, Blades, Conner, Moran, Brooks, Levine)(opposed:
Baker, Littlefield, Buell)(abstained: Atwood)(for: 8.5)(opposed: 2.7)(abstained:
.8)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to have
the packets bound for the June 21st meeting.
Motion withdrawn.
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to accept the finance reports/warrants dated April 12th, May 3rd, and May 15th. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Merrimac
Savings Bank
Motion/Vote
It was
moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mr. Levine to accept the donation from the
Merrimac Savings Bank. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Mr. Greenberg gave the Committee a personnel overview on the
Business Office, a personnel function and task analysis, and a corrective action
plan in response to the FY04 management letter. Mr. Greenberg said that he plans
to start the payroll conversion compatible with the general ledger in July to be
live in October.
Business
Updates
Chairman Atwood gave members the PRSC calendar for 2005 –
2006. Mr. Atwood is planning on having members tour the schools on August 16th
with the town Finance Directors and the Boards of Selectmen. Chairman Atwood
said this will help everyone understand the capital plan.
There was a question on the timeline of the budget process.
Mr. Greenberg would like them to follow the schedule initially so that the
process is not rushed. Chairman Atwood would like the Committee to consider
meeting on two Saturdays for budget workshops in February.
There will be a presentation in October by Ms. O’Brien,
Director of Pupil Services. School council presentations are also scheduled in
October. There will be a presentation on the Transportation Department in
December.
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Ms. Blades to
approve the Field Trip Request from the high school for the trip in September to
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to table
the issue until the June 21st business meeting. There was an
amendment to ask Mrs. Buerger to fill out the form completely. Motion carried.
(for: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Carpenter, Brooks, Buell, Atwood,
Baker)(opposed: Moran, Levine, Conner, Littlefield)(for: 8.2)(opposed: 3.8)
FY06 Budget
At the last business meeting 127 line items from the FY06
budget were placed on “hold” for further discussion. Chairman Atwood spent 2
days with Mr. Greenberg researching those “holds”. Chairman Atwood gave
members a list of all items with an explanation for each.
Discussion followed:
·
There was no
extra money found to fill teaching positions. Some areas are under funded such
as legal services. Mr. Greenberg has concerns with cost on the maintenance of
the buildings, superintendent’s search, negotiations with teachers; contracts,
audit, and categories II and III.
It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mrs. Conner
to move on with the FYO6 budget.
Motion
withdrawn.
It was
moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mr. Buell to discus the line items that
members have questions on with the FY06 budget. Motion withdrawn.
·
Mr. Greenberg
reported that it is too early to bid for oil. It will be done in the fall.
·
Mr. Greenberg
will have projections and an update on revolving funds at the June 21st
meeting.
·
The part time
facilities manager’s position has been cut.
·
Mr. Greenberg
will present monthly to members on the District’s financial position.
·
Chairman Atwood
said members may want to consider intra district choice to even out class sizes.
Mrs. Grazio said that there is a District policy on intra district choice.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to
reallocate professional development curriculum textbook funds to general
supplies in category II in each elementary building. There was a friendly
amendment to reallocate money for maps and globes only. Motion failed. (for:
Buell)(opposed: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine,
Conner, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(for: 1.1)(opposed: 10.9)
It was moved by Mrs. Conner and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to
rescind the vote to fully fund a full time assistant principal at the middle
school and at the Bagnall. (for: Buell, Conner)((opposed: Piccolomini, Blades,
Grazio, Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(for:
1.9)(opposed: 10.1)
at
the Bagnall.
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to exam
the elimination of the Assistant Superintendent’s position for the purposes of
reallocating funds. Motion withdrawn.
It was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mrs. Conner
to move forward with the FY06 budget. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to
authorize building principals to use intra district choice to balance out their
class sizes. Motion withdrawn.
The motion was withdrawn with the understanding that the
principals would work out the intra district choice amongst themselves.
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Baker to
continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m.
Motion failed. (for: Moran, Brooks, Levine, Conner, Atwood,
Baker)(opposed: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Carpenter, Buell, Littlefield)(for:
5.7)(opposed: 6.3)
It was moved Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mr. Levine to
reconsider the vote to continue the meeting past 10:00 p.m. (for: Piccolomini,
Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield,
Baker)(opposed: Grazio, Blades)(for 9.8)(opposed: 2.2)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mr. Levine to enter
into Executive Session for the purposes of contract negotiations. Motion carried
by roll call vote. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Carpenter, Levine, Brooks, Baker,
Littlefield, Conner, Atwood, Moran)(opposed: Grazio, Buell)(for: 9.8)(opposed:
2.2)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mr. Levine to
adjourn the meeting at 10:20. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Recording Secretary
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
High School
July 5, 2005
Members Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mr.
Baker, Mrs. Conner, Mrs. Grazio, Ms. Blades, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs. Dube
Carpenter, Mr. Levine, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Moran, and Mrs. Brooks
Motion/Vote
It was
moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mrs. Moran to accept the agenda as amended.
The agenda was amended to include a donation from the Bagnall Education
Foundation. A discussion was added on the superintendent’s search, the
Regional Agreement, and the agenda format. The final amendment was to appoint
negotiation teams. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to
accept and file the correspondence. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Buell to have
Chairman Atwood send Mrs. Dignan a note letting her know that we received her
letter and have forwarded it to the administration. Motion carried. (for:
Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Conner, Atwood,
Littlefield, Baker)(abstained: Dube Carpenter)(10.9)(abstained: 1.1)
Mrs. Dignan’s letter has been forwarded to Principal Townes
and it will be discussed in executive session on July 19, 2005.
Minutes
June 21, 2005
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mr. Buell to
approve the minutes of June 21, 2005. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades,
Grazio, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Atwood, Littlefield,
Baker)(abstained: Conner)(for: 11.2)(abstained: .8)
FY07 Budget Templates/Fees
Mr. Greenberg gave members a sample of the proposed FY07
budget template in preparation of the FY07 budget. His goal is to have it answer
as many questions as possible. He wants it to be transparent and to have it be
as complete and comprehensive as possible.
Mrs. Townes will be at the meeting on July 19th to
address fees. Mr. DiFelice will be in attendance to discuss the athletic budget.
It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mrs. Conner to
increase transportation fees 14%.
Motion was not voted.
Motion/Vote
It was moved Mr. Baker and seconded by Mr. Buell to table the
discussion on fees. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Dube
Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Atwood, Baker)(opposed: Conner,
Littlefield)(for: 10.4)(opposed: 1.6)
Chairman
Atwood will discuss the Delegation Authority Document with Dr. McGinn
and moved the due date to September 2005.
.The
District-Wide Professional Plan will be presented at the September 6th
meeting.
Mrs. Piccolomini said the subcommittee recommends Dr. William
G. Compton to the Committee as Interim Superintendent. He has 24 years
experience as a superintendent, a strong financial background and a strong
leadership style. The subcommittee plans to meet with him one more time before
inviting him to the July 19th business meeting.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to
authorize the subcommittee to start preliminary contract negotiations with the
Interim Superintendent. There was an amendment to start negotiations based on
discussions/parameters set in executive session today. Motion carried. (for:
Piccolomini, Blades, Grazio, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell,
Atwood)(opposed: Conner, Littlefield)(abstained: Baker)(for: 9.6)(opposed:
1.6)(abstained: .8)
The following personnel have
retired at the conclusion of the school year 2005: Margaret Baker, Linda
Brackett, Marianne Crawford, Catherine Dower, Ruth Foskett, Jeffrey Hogan, Nelda
Laws, Susan Prokop, and Wayne Sylvester.
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to have
the Chairman send letters to the retirees. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
School
Calendar
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and second by Mr. Levine to approve
the school calendar for 2005/2006. The 2006/2007 calendar will be discussed at
the July 19th meeting. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mrs. Moran to
accept the donation from the Bagnall Education Foundation. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval)
NCLB Report Card
Dr. McGinn said the goal with No Child Left Behind is
adequate yearly progress (AYP). The goal is to have all students proficient or
advance by the year 2014. The Department of Education measures the District’s
projectary to that goal. This District need improvement with special education
in English Language Arts. This is an extremely serious challenge. The principals
are aware of the report. The Committee will receive the executive summary and it
will be sent to the press as well. Dr. Littelfield recommended the School
Improvement Plans focus on this with specific data.
The District received one response from Melanson Heath and
Company, PC. The cost is approximately $24,000.
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Baker to
direct the administration to have Melanson Heath and Company, PC conduct the
audit with speed. There was an amendment to have it done when Mr. Greenberg is
more comfortable – no time limit. There was a second amendment to have it
begin within 60 days. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to
postpone goals, unfinished business and agenda format to the July 19th
meeting. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Levine, Buell,
Brooks, Moran, Conner, Littlefield, Atwood, Baker)(opposed: Grazio, Blades)(for:
9.8)(opposed: 2.2)
It was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mr. Buell to add a
special business meeting for goals and unfinished business.
Motion carried. (for: Blades, Grazio, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell,
Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Conner, Baker)(for:
8.2)(opposed: 3.8)
It was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Ms. Blades to
direct the administration to send out an RFP for a consultant to conduct a
superintendent’s search. There was an amendment to take the money from the
superintendent’s salary line for the month of July. Motion carried. (unanimous
approval)
Regional Agreement
Chairman Atwood informed the Committee that there is a
meeting on Wednesday, July 13th at the 1910 building in
It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mr. Levine to
appoint Chairman Atwood to the Regional Agreement Board. Motion carried. (for:
Piccolomini, Blades, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell, Conner,
Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(abstained: Grazio)(for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1)
The Town of
The West Newbury representative met with the
It was moved by Mrs. Dube Carpenter and seconded by Mr. Buell
to have representatives from each town work with their Selectmen and Finance
Committees at those alternatives on capital improvement issues with the schools.
There was an amendment to have the Committee updated periodically. Motion
carried. (for: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Buell, Conner,
Atwood, Littlefield)(opposed: Blades, Grazio, Levine, Baker)(for: 7.9)(opposed:
4.1)
Contract Negotiations
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini
to have Chairman Atwood, Mrs. Moran, Ms. Blades, and Mr. Baker to negotiate the
four union contracts. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Grazio, Dube Carpenter,
Blades, Levine, Moran, Brooks, Atwood, Littlefield, Conner, Baker)(abstained:
Buell) (for: 10.9)(abstained: 1.1)
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to
continue the meeting after 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Buell,
Dube Carpenter, Blades, Levine, Moran, Brooks, Atwood, Littlefield, Conner,
Baker)(opposed: Grazio) (for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Baker to enter
into Executive Session for the purposes of discussing contract negotiations and
litigation. Motion carried by roll call vote. (for: Piccolomini, Buell, Dube
Carpenter, Blades, Levine, Moran, Brooks, Atwood, Littlefield, Conner,
Baker)(opposed: Grazio) (for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Moran and seconded by Mr. Levine to
adjourn the meeting at 11:00 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Recording Secretary
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
High School
July 19, 2005
Members Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mr.
Baker, Mrs. Conner, Mrs. Grazio, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs. Dube Carpenter, Mr.
Levine, Mr. Buell, Mrs. Moran, and Mrs. Brooks
Also Present: Mr. Greenberg
Call to Order: Chairman Atwood called the meeting to order at
7:38 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance: Mr. Buell led the Committee in the
Pledge of Allegiance.
Majority Vote: The majority vote was set at 5.7.
Roll Call: Roll call was taken. Ms. Blades was absent.
Agenda
Motion/Vote
It was
moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the agenda as amended.
The agenda was amended to add a letter and 3 emails to correspondence (letter
from Mrs. Cronin, emails from Mr. and Mrs. Galatis, Ms. O’Sullivan and Ms.
Attenasio). The Executive Session was moved to # 9 on the agenda. Number 10 was
changed to meet the Interim Superintendent. Flashing Lights at Bagnall and
appointing someone to contract negotiations was added to new business. Motion
carried. (for: Piccolomini, Grazio, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Buell,
Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(opposed: Conner)(for: 10.1)(opposed: .8)
Public
Comment
Mr.
Minichiello had comments and questions about the Bagnall budget, ESP’s and a
question with the use of Title One funds.
Public
comment was also made with regard to Mr. Puleo, High School Coach, regarding
specific incidents with students.
Correspondence
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Baker to
accept and file the correspondence. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Minutes
July 5, 2005
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mr. Levine to
approve the minutes of July 5, 2005 as amended. The amendment was on the third
page, third paragraph from the bottom: “unanimous approval” was added.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23 B.3
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to enter
into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23B.3 for the purposes of personnel
and contract negotiations. Motion carried by roll call vote. (unanimous
approval)
Interim Superintendent
Mrs. Piccolomini introduced Dr. William G. Compton to the
Committee. Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs. Grazio, Dr. Littlefield, Mrs. Moran and Mr.
Buell agreed that Dr. Compton would serve the district well and recommended his
appointment. Mr. Buell said that Dr. Compton was a perfect fit for the District
at this point. Dr. Compton has 24 years experience as a superintendent. He has a
strong financial background and has experience with contract negotiations. Dr.
Compton is very please to join the District. He is looking forward to working
with the Committee.
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Piccolomini and seconded by Mrs. Moran
to appoint Dr. Compton to the District as Interim Superintendent contingent upon
successful negotiations of a contract. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23 A
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to enter
into Executive Session, Chapter 39, Section 23A. for the purposes of personnel.
Motion carried by roll call vote. (unanimous approval)
Financial
Operations
It was
moved by Mr. Buell to table the financial operations until the August 2nd
meeting. Motion withdrawn.
Fees
Mr. Greenberg requested a vote from the Committee on the fees
for students for FY06. Mr. Greenberg said that the law states that the district
may charge fees for students living two miles or less. The district is
reimbursed for students living one and a half miles or less.
Mrs. Grazio requested a discussion on revolving accounts. She
said that if there is enough money in revolving accounts to cover students
living one and a half miles to two miles, why not just charge students living
one and one half miles or less. Mr. Greenberg would like to see a three month
reserve. Mrs. Grazio was concerned that the district may be charging fees and
getting reimbursement on those students. Mr. Buell said that he was opposed to
fees if there are surpluses in the revolving accounts. He also said that he was
in favor of charging fees for students living within one and a half miles for
transportation, but not two miles.
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Buell to charge transportation fees the
same as last year with the Committee agreeing that if there is enough money in
the account with the fees, fees would be reimbursed. There was no second on the
motion.
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Brooks to
continue the meeting after 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (for: Dube Carpenter,
Piccolomini, Buell, Moran, Levine, Brooks, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield,
Baker)(opposed: Grazio)(for: 9.8)(opposed: 1.1)
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Conner and seconded by Mr. Baker to
approve transportation fees/parking fees as they were in place last year. Motion
carried. (for: Dube Carpenter, Baker, Moran, Brooks, Conner, Atwood,
Littlefield)(opposed: Piccolomini, Grazio, Levine, Buell)(for: 6.5)(4.4)
Policy Update
Mrs. Brophy and Mrs. Dube Carpenter will be on the August 2nd
agenda to discuss the policies on safe and drug free schools. Members received
copies of these policies. Dr. Littlefield would like the Superintendent to code
and review these policies .
Flashing Lights Bagnall
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Grazio to
approve $4880. for the purposes of installing flashing lights at the
Adjournment
Motion/Vote
It was moved by Mrs. Piccolomini and seconded by Mr. Buell to
adjourn the meeting at 10:27 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Recording Secretary
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
High School
July 26, 2005
Members
Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Conner, Mrs.
Grazio, Mrs. Piccolomini, Mrs. Dube Carpenter, Ms. Blades, Mr. Levine, Mr.
Buell, Mrs. Moran, and Mrs. Brooks
Also
Present: Dr. McGinn
Call
to Order: Chairman Atwood called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
Pledge
of Allegiance: Mr. Buell led the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Majority
Vote: The majority vote was set at 5.5.
Roll
Call: Roll call was taken. Mrs. Piccolomini and Dr. Littlefield were not in
attendance. Dr. Littlefield arrived at 7:38. The majority vote changed to 5.7.
Mrs. Piccolomini arrived at 8:05 p.m. The majority vote changed to 6.1
Agenda
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to accept the agenda. Motion
carried. (unanimous approval)
Executive
Session, Chapter 39, B.3
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to enter into executive
session for the purposes of contract negotiations. Motion carried by roll call
vote. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Agenda
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Buell to amend the agenda to approve
the Interim Superintendent’s contract. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Interim
Superintendent’s Contract
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Buell and seconded by Mr. Levine to approve the Interim
Superintendent’s Contract as it has been presented, offer it to Dr. Compton
and if accepted authorize Chairman Atwood to sign on behalf of the Committee.
Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
School
Committee Goals
Members
received a copy of the last set of School Committee Goals 2002 – 2004.
Discussion followed:
Page
2
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mr. Buell to set the School Committee
goals for the next school year as follows:
Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Ms. Blades and seconded by Mr. Baker to amend the goals, adding a
fourth goal to finalize policy by June 30, 2006. Motion carried. (unanimous
approval)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Dube Carpenter and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to have the
Superintendent hold a workshop for the School Committee to discuss their goals
and to have the Superintendent assist with the facilitation of them. There was a
friendly amendment to have it scheduled by September 30, 2005. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval)
Unfinished
Business
Members
received a list of unfinished business from Mrs. Grazio.
new
goals.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Piccolomini and seconded by Mr. Buell to have the bylaws
discussed at the workshop. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Page
3
person;
sped students across District; class sizes, number of staff to deliver sped
services in each school. Mrs.
Credit received the full information. The committee received the information on
class size.
requested.
This will be put on an
agenda for preliminary budget discussion. Dr. McGinn will have the math task
force K-12 be prepared to present at the October 18th meeting.
and
have been on the agenda at least 4 times, but never discussed. This
is complete.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Conner and seconded by Mr. Buell to rescind the original
motion to ask counsel for opinion on gifts and donations. Motion carried. (for:
Grazio, Dube Carpenter, Piccolomini, Blades, Buell, Moran, Brooks, Levine,
Conner, Atwood, Littlefield)(abstained: Baker)(for: 11.2)(abstained: .8)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Levine to form a subcommittee to
complete the preliminary leases in 30 days, the final leases in 60 days. Motion
carried.
(for: Grazio, Dube
Carpenter, Piccolomini, Blades, Buell, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Conner, Atwood,
Baker)(opposed: Littlefield)(for: 11.2)(opposed: .8)
Mrs.
Grazio will Chair this subcommittee. Other subcommittee members include Mrs.
Brooks and Mr. Baker
Committee
member can take in decisions financially affecting a family member. Mrs.
Grazio and Mr. Buell refer to M.G.L. Chapter 71, Section 36A: “ School
Committee members, within one year after their initial election or appointment,
shall complete at least eight hours of orientation concerning the
responsibilities of their office at no cost to individual school committee
members. The orientation shall include but not be limited to a review of school
finance, the open meeting law, public records law, conflict of interest law,
special education law, collective bargaining, school leadership standards and
evaluations and the roles and responsibilities of school committee members. The
orientation shall be provided by the
It
was decided that all members would turn in a personal profile.
Page
4
Packets
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mrs. Brooks rescind the vote of the
Committee to have the packets bound. Motion failed. (for: Brooks, Levine, Grazio, Blades,
Piccolomini, Conner)(opposed: Littlefield, Buell, Atwood, Dube
Carpenter, Baker, Moran)
(for:
6.3)(opposed: 5.7) The motion failed because it required a 2/3 vote.
Mrs.
Grazio, Mr. Levine, Mrs. Brooks, Ms. Blades and Mrs. Conner do not want them
bound.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mrs. Grazio and seconded by Mr. Levine to inform the boards of
selectmen about the upcoming negotiations and to ask them to appoint one of them
to be on the negotiations team (M.G.L. Chapter 150E). Motion carried. (for:
Brooks, Levine, Moran, Grazio, Blades, Dube Carpenter, Piccolomini, Conner,
Littlefield, Baker)(abstained: Buell)(for: 10.9)(opposed: 1.1)
Dr.
McGinn will ask principals if there are any areas that they would like
discussed.
Adjournment
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Piccolomini to adjourn the meeting
at 10:00 p.m. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Respectfully
submitted,
Marianne
Naffah
Recording
Secretary
PENTUCKET
REGIONAL SCHOOL COMMITTEE
High School
August 2, 2005
Members
Present: Chairman Atwood, Dr. C.P. Littlefield, Mr. Baker, Mrs. Conner,
Mrs.
Piccolomini, Mrs. Dube Carpenter, Ms. Blades, Mr. Levine, Mrs. Moran, and Mrs.
Brooks
Also
Present: Dr. Compton, Dr. McGinn, Mr. Greenberg, Mrs. Townes, Mr. Binaghi, Mrs.
Perry, Mrs. Champion, Mr. Harrison, Mrs. Brophy, Mr. Defelice, Student
Representative Mr. Williams, Spectators and Press
Call
to Order: Chairman Atwood called the meeting to order at 8:35 p.m.
Pledge
of Allegiance: Chairman Atwood led the Committee in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Majority
Vote: The majority vote was set at 5.5.
Roll
Call: Roll call was taken. Mrs. Grazio and Mr. Buell were not in attendance.
Agenda
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Baker to accept the agenda as
amended. The amendments were to remove the correspondence for discussion and to
add a discussion on the Donaghue playground and the operational audit. Motion
carried. (unanimous approval)
Merrimac
Goes Back to School
Mrs.
Moran asked members to email the Merrimac PTO if they are planning on attending
the back to school program.
New
Teacher Orientation
Dr.
McGinn informed the Committee that the money the teachers received for attending
the new teacher orientation came from the Title V Grant.
Minutes
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mr. Baker to approve the minutes of July
19, 2005. Motion carried. (for: Piccolomini, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Brooks,
Levine, Conner, Atwood, Littlefield, Baker)(abstained: Blades)(approved:
8.7)(abstained: 1.1)
Finance
Reports
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve the finance report
(minutes and warrants dated July 5, 2005. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve the finance report
(minutes and warrants dated June 21, 2005. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve the finance report
(minutes and warrants dated July 19, 2005. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)
Motion/vote
It
was moved by Mr. Baker and seconded by Mr. Levine to amend the agenda to discuss
the line item adjustments and the athletic budget next. Motion carried.
(unanimous approval)
Mrs.
Perry informed the Committee that the student/teacher ratio is 27 to 1 for the
2005 – 2006 school year at the
It
was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mrs. Moran to approve permission to
restore a classroom section at the grade four level. Motion carried. (for:
Piccolomini, Blades, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Conner,
Littlefield)(abstained: Atwood, Baker)(for: 8.2)(abstained: 1.6)
Mrs.
Champion requested that the Committee grant her additional time to present the
proposed line item adjustments for the
High
School
Mrs.
Townes would like to have the Assistant to the Principal as a full time
employee. The position was reduced to .5. The additional money will come from
the current In School Suspension Coordinator. Students will be given Saturday
detentions and Saturday suspensions along with out of school suspensions. Mrs.
Townes said that the high school needs a full time assistant principal to
provide a safe, secure and positive school climate. A full time assistant to the
principal will allow the high school to be proactive in preventing school
violence and prevent issues around harassment and bullying from becoming more
serious involving the police and criminal justice system.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Mr. Levine and seconded by Dr. Littlefield to approve the assistant
to the principal as a full time employee for FY05. Motion carried. (for:
Piccolomini, Blades, Dube Carpenter, Moran, Brooks, Levine, Conner, Atwood,
Littlefield)(opposed: Baker)(for: 9.0)(opposed: .8)
The
high school has not had a school psychologist on staff for two years due to
budget cuts made in 2002.The high school has relied on consultants as needed.
This is both costly and ineffective for students, staff and parents. The
high school does not have a psychologist on site to do at risk assessments and
to deal with students in crisis. The Coordinated Review conducted last December
cited the high school for not having a school psychologist on staff.
Motion/Vote
It
was moved by Dr. Littlefield and seconded by Mrs. Moran to have a full time
school psychologist at the high school. Motion carried. (unanimous approval)